Canberra lashed for 'kicking the can' on salmon farms

Industry, politicians and environmentalists have ramped up criticism of the federal government for leaving the future of salmon farming and a rare fish in "limbo".

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek in November triggered a review of aquaculture in Tasmania's remote Macquarie Harbour, the only home of the endangered Maugean skate.

The government's own conservation advice called for urgent action to eliminate or significantly reduce fish farming impacts on the harbour's oxygen levels to help safeguard the skate.

It was revealed on Tuesday the federal government had pushed back a decision on whether to increase the skate's status to critically endangered until after the federal election.

Industry, Tasmania's Liberal government and a local mayor believe the delay, which is separate to the review, extends uncertainty for workers.

Conservationists have also savaged the government for slow progress, saying the future of the skate is under increasing risk as a result.

"There are an estimated 40-120 adult Maugean skates remaining in the wild," Bob Brown Foundation campaigner Alistair Allan said.

"Without fish farms being removed, the federal environment minister is playing Russian roulette with an animal that has been on the planet for millions of years."

An assessment by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee on the skate's status was due to be handed to Ms Plibersek on October 30.

But a one-year extension has been granted because of the substantial and highly technical information received during public consultation.

Ms Plibersek's office hasn't provided a timeline for the overall aquaculture review, but has said a balanced decision would be made based on the best scientific advice.

The review was sparked by challenges from environmental groups to the validity of expanded farming permits in 2012.

Salmon Tasmania, which represents major aquaculture companies including Tassal, said the decision to delay was frustrating but not a surprise.

"Everyone is determined to secure the future of the Maugean skate," CEO Luke Martin said.

"But decisions must be grounded in accurate information on the population numbers and the many potential reasons for the species long-term decline.

"We expect Ms Plibersek to end the uncertainty for our industry, and make the right decision to end her drawn-out review."

Recent data indicates oxygen levels in the harbour have improved and the skate's population has stabilised at a low level.

"The health of the harbour in 2024 is just as good as 2014 - the facts speak for themselves," Tasmania's Minister for Business, Industry and Resources Eric Abetz told reporters.

West Coast Council mayor Shane Pitt said the "living hell" for salmon workers needed to end.

"Workers, families and the west coast could face another Christmas with their future in limbo - it's just cruel," he said,

Australia Institute Tasmania director Eloise Carr urged Ms Plibersek to revoke the 2012 decision and not kick the can down the road.