Salmon sales 'soar' in the face of protests

DESPITE some high-profile chefs and iconic restaurant Mures taking salmon off the menu, the industry says demand for the Tasmanian farmed fish is at an all-time high.

Activist group Neighbours of Fish Farms has launched an Australian version of the international movement ``Off the table’’ calling on chefs, restaurants and other hospitality businesses to remove farmed Atlantic salmon from their menus.

Tasmanian farmer and foodie Matthew Evans, host of the Gourmet Farmer and What's the Catch? has pledged never to serve Tasmanian salmon at his farm in the Huon Valley. 

``We see firsthand the rubbish and devastation that poorly regulated and unsustainable fish farming has caused," Mr Evan said.

``It's clear that the way we produce salmon in open pens is done in a way that continues to harm Tasmania's natural environment.

``It's a dirty industry that refuses to clean up its act."

Analiese Gregory, star of SBS show Girl's Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Wild Cooking, former chef at Michelin star restaurants Le Meurice in Paris and Quay in Sydney has also joined the call.

As has Stephen Peak, head chef at New Norfolk's The Agrarian Kitchen who actively promotes the sourcing of local line caught sustainable Tasmanian wild fish. 

``Open net fish farming in Tasmania is unsustainable. Salmon and ocean trout are farmed in coastal waterways using industrial farming practices and come at a significant cost to the environment. As a chef, I believe I have a responsibility to serve produce that has been farmed ethically and sustainably, and to educate and promote the importance of small-scale, local and sustainable farming."

But outgoing CEO of Salmon Tasmania Luke Martin says salmon was ``flying off the shelves’’ with consumer demand skyrocketing in Australia and internationally. 

``Australian families are consuming more Tasmanian salmon than ever before, with a seven per cent jump in Tasmanian salmon purchased at Woolworths and Coles in 2025 compared with the same time last year. 

``Australians love Tassie salmon and are buying it in droves, what they’re not buying is this BS being sold by activists in election time.

``Tasmanian salmon is the best in the world and the latest consumer data is a testament to this.’’

The industry has been facing intense criticism following several controversies including mass fish deaths, animal welfare concerns, and environmental damage. 

These issues have led to public protests and pressure on the industry, with some arguing that salmon farming is harming the environment and threatening local communities.