From one sinking ship to another?

John Whittington, the newly-appointed CEO of Salmon Tasmania, will fail just as Luke Martin failed, just as Sue Grau and Julian Amos failed, because you cannot defend the indefensible.

The beleaguered and desperate salmon industry, having completely lost any social licence, has handed a poisoned chalice to John Whittington as the new head of Salmon Tasmania. After weeks of millions of dying salmon, out of control disease, and a rightly-angry public at the spin from Luke Martin, the industry is attempting a face-lift. It's an attempt that is sure to fail. Tasmanians have seen through the mask of Salmon Tasmania; they are tired of not being listened to with regard to our precious waterways and marine life.

Tons of anti-biotics in our waters, diseased and dead fish piling up on beaches and in tips is not alright. It's no wonder that Luke Martin has resigned amidst so much catastrophe.

"The thousands turning up to rallies in recent weeks, with no sign of abatement, is testament to the determination of communities right round this island. No appointment of yet another over-paid CEO will change the fact that this industry has no social licence," says Lisa Litjens, Acting President of NOFF. 'Warming waters will ensure the death of this industry with its overstocked pens and unacceptable practices. We can do so much better—by our workers and our precious environment."

NOFF media release 4 April 2025

Contact:

• Lisa Litjens, Acting President, NOFF: 0400 461 624
• Jess Coughlan, Campaigner, NOFF: 0431 684 741