Study timeline

The Tasmanian Government announces it will launch an independent study of the salmon industry.

The terms of reference outline the key issues to be examined along with the study’s objectives, methodology and reporting requirements.

The independent study began on 27 February 2026 with the appointment of the joint study leads: Dr Wendy Craik AM and Dr Russell Reichelt AO.

The study leads drafted a stakeholder engagement plan and a study plan for the study.

Stakeholders and members of the public were invited to provide feedback on:

• The proposed approach to stakeholder engagement.
• The scope, focus and structure of the study.

• Topic 1: Overview of the global salmon industry: the big picture for Australia, Norway, Chile, Scotland, Canada, New Zealand. Contributions to global and local demand for protein. Role in food security. The proposed approach to stakeholder engagement.
• Topic 2: Assessment of environmental values, impacts and benefits of salmon farming in Tasmania and lessons from beyond Australia.
• Topic 3: Health impacts of salmon farming, including: public health, ecosystem health, wildlife impacts and salmon health.
• Topic 4: Detailed examination of Tasmania's salmon industry regulation compared with international regulations for compliance and effectiveness (best practice).

Industry and community study tours.

• Topic 5: The direct and indirect contribution of the salmon industry to the Tasmanian economy, including: regional economies, employment opportunities and career pathways, and the industry’s role in developing skills and knowledge.
• Topic 6: The social and cultural benefits and costs to the Tasmanian community, including the effect of industry activities on infrastructure and amenity, and indigenous peoples’ knowledge and perspectives for land and sea.

• Topic 7: Climate change threats, impacts and opportunities for adaptation and carbon management.
• Topic 8: Contribution of the industry to advancing scientific expertise, innovation and research capacity in Tasmania, including aquaculture science, technology, environmental monitoring, biosecurity and emerging technologies including offshore farming systems, land-based aquaculture RAS, hybrid systems, circular economy innovations including value added production.
• Topic 9: Benchmarking Tasmanian salmon industry regulation against global best practice.

Collation of Phase 1 information papers and evidence repository and drafting of Phase 1 findings.

Direct meetings, site visits and scientific review across all streams.

The final report to be delivered to the Tasmanian Government by 31 July 2027.

Public release of the draft Phase 1 interim report for stakeholder review and consultation.

Summary of the consultation feedback to be included with the Phase 2 final report.

The Phase 2 final report will be submitted to the Tasmanian Government and made publicly available.