Fish remains found at Verona Sands not linked to salmon mortality event

Comprehensive and independent scientific analysis has confirmed that fish remains reported at Verona Sands on Christmas Day were not linked to any salmon mortality event.
Minister for Environment, Madeleine Ogilvie, said it was the second time this summer the scientific evidence has set the record straight for Tasmanians.
“The EPA, Analytical Services Tasmania and the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies have all independently confirmed the remains found at Verona Sands were not indicative of a farmed salmon mortality event,” Minister Ogilvie said.
“Just as testing showed the bloom observed in waters off southern Tasmania were naturally occurring Noctiluca scintillans, or sea sparkles, and not an algal bloom harmful to marine life.
“Science must come before speculation. Misinformation such as that heard from people without any level of expertise in the field, does nothing more than unnecessarily alarm the community.
“That behaviour does real harm. It undermines confidence, damages Tasmania’s brand, and places unnecessary pressure on businesses, workers and regional communities who rely on trust in our regulatory systems.”
Minister Ogilvie said these incidents also highlighted a growing and unacceptable trend of attacks on the integrity of Tasmania’s public servants, the work of educational and advisory institutions - particularly scientists. 
While Tasmania’s scientists and EPA officers were working on Christmas Day and through the break to establish the facts, providing clarity, many of their loudest critics were themselves overseas or on holiday. 
“That contradiction should not be lost on anyone,” the Minister said.
Minister Ogilvie said Tasmania’s environmental regulation is grounded in transparency, independence and rigorous science, and that will not change.