Introduction
The salmon industry independent study will examine whether Tasmania’s regulatory arrangements are effective in achieving sustainable development while protecting the state’s marine and freshwater environments.
It will benchmark Tasmania’s regulatory framework, examine monitoring, compliance, penalties, biosecurity, animal welfare and environmental performance standards.
In October 2025, the terms of reference for the salmon industry study were announced:
Next steps
The Independent Study commenced on 27 February 2026 with the announcement of the Joint Study Leads, Dr Wendy Craik AM and Dr Russell Reichelt AO. The Study Leads are currently developing a stakeholder engagement strategy and proposed structure for Phase 1 of the Study.
Meet the study leads
Dr Russell Reichelt AO
Joint Study Lead
Dr Russell Reichelt AO is an experienced marine scientist and environmental policy leader in the fields of ocean governance and sustainable resource management. He served as the Executive Chairman of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority from 2007 to 2018. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr Reichelt has held numerous senior management roles, including CEO of the Australian Institute of Marine Science, Chair of Australia’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and a board member of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority for 12 years.
Dr Reichelt holds a PhD in Marine Science and has worked as a tropical marine ecologist and applied these skills in fisheries status reporting, marine park management, and development of national and international fisheries management quotas and rules. Under his leadership in 2009 the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority produced the first Outlook Report for the Reef which has subsequently been mirrored by Australia’s State of the Environment Reporting and the IUCN’s international assessment of marine World Heritage areas worldwide. In 2021, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to marine conservation, to ecosystem management of the Great Barrier Reef, and to climate change research, and is a Fellow of the Australian Academy for Technology and Engineering.
Dr Wendy Craik AM
Joint Study Lead
Dr Wendy Craik AM is a leading independent public policy expert with over 25 years of experience in natural resource management, primary industries, and environmental policy. Her distinguished career includes serving as the Chief Executive of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission, Executive Director of the National Farmers’ Federation, and Chair of the Climate Change Authority. Dr Craik has also served as a Commissioner of the Productivity Commission, Chair of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), and a board member of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS).
Dr Craik holds a PhD in Zoology and brings a wealth of experience in bridging the gap between scientific research, environmental sustainability, and agricultural economics. In 2007, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service to the natural environment, economic and rural policy, and regional communities.