Shocking Admission: EPA too late on health warnings over beach pollution

In the first substantial email correspondence from the EPA to NOFF in just over two weeks since the biological pollution started washing up on beaches in Tasmania's South East, the Environmental Protection Authority has issued a new warning, advised by the Department of Health.

"The current Department of Health advice is not to handle the material, to wash your hands if you do, and not to undertake recreational activities where the material is obviously present. This advice is based on what is known about the material to date, and the general principle of not handling dead animal parts encountered in the environment."

For two weeks the EPA has been issuing public statements on Tasmanian and national radio saying that the substance is safe, and does not pose a health risk.

This is a massive blow to communities who put their trust in what is clearly a captured EPA.

Four hours after receiving the email, NOFF visited Verona Sands to see if any public safety signage had been erected. It had not.

"The EPA has clearly tried to protect the image of an industry out of control, before protecting the environment, or the communities that exist within it," says Jess Coughlan, Campaigner at Neighbours of Fish Farming.

"The warning signs of a horrific summer for the salmon industry have been there since late last year, yet the EPA has taken no action to mitigate against disaster, and we are now seeing a risk to human health recognised by the Department of Health."

"NOFF and its community members have called for a vote of no confidence in the EPA. We call for the resignations of board members and the appointment of a director who is prepared to put people and the environment above the interests of big business in this State."

• All comments attributed to Jess Coughlan, Campaigner at Neighbours of Fish Farming 0431684741
• For immediate release Monday 3rd March 6.30pm
• Media conference 10.30am Parliament Lawns Hobart Tuesday 4th March 2025