Huon Aquaculture, a major player in the salmon industry, recently made headlines after it confirmed the use of the antibiotic oxytetracycline to combat a disease outbreak at its Meadowbank hatchery located on the River Derwent. This decision has sparked debates about the transparency of antibiotic use in the aquaculture sector, particularly as downstream users of the river were not informed about the treatment. In a move to maintain transparency, Huon voluntarily disclosed this information to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

The ongoing situation has prompted the EPA to initiate antibiotic residue monitoring in the area, as public health concerns emerge regarding the potential impact of antibiotic application in freshwater hatcheries. Notably, there are no mandatory disclosure requirements concerning antibiotic use in these facilities, contrasting sharply with the stricter regulations surrounding the use of the antibiotic florfenicol in coastal marine fish farms. This discrepancy highlights significant regulatory gaps in the current aquaculture practices within Tasmania.

Responses from local authorities and environmental groups have emphasized the need for revised policies that enforce mandatory disclosure of antibiotic use in all fish farming operations, aiming to ensure public health and environmental safety. Independent Member of the Legislative Council Meg Webb, along with the Greens party, are spearheading calls for reforms to address this issue, underlining the importance of transparent practices in safeguarding both the environment and consumer health.