The public comment period closes today for the sea cage fish farm proposals for Darwin Harbour , Bynoe Harbour and Snake Bay with a huge community response.

Adele Pedder, Marine Project Officer from the Environment Centre NT (ECNT) said, “With the Environmental Assessment public comment period coming to a close today, it is evident that the community is very concerned about the sea cage fish farm proposals.

“The community has generated over 150 submissions calling for the government to reject the sea cage fish farm proposals for Darwin Harbour , Bynoe Harbour and Snake Bay on the Tiwi islands.

“Major concerns have been raised about a range of issues from the gross inadequacy of the proponent’s EIS documentation through to the pollution of the Harbours; the spread of pests and disease from the sea cage fish to wild populations; and the huge amounts of feed (containing chicken, other fish, and plant material from around the world) that will be required to grow the sea cage barramundi.

“In light of the serious concerns that have been raised, together with strong community opposition, we hope to see the Environmental Protection Agency recommend rejection of the proposals.

“The health of our Harbours is now in the hands of the NT government’s EPA, and Ministers Marion Scrymgour and Kon Vatskalis.

Key stakeholder groups have also submitted comment including the Amateur Fisherman’s Association NT, the Darwin Harbour Advisory Committee, the Northern Land Council, Bynoe Harbour Marine Park Advisory Committee and the Environment Centre NT.

Contact: Adele Pedder, Marine Project Officer - 8941 7461 or 0422 108 539