Mures Tasmania removes Tasmanian salmon from menus due to industry practice 'concerns'

Mures Tasmania, a waterfront business in Hobart, has removed Tasmanian salmon from their menu due to concerns over industry practices. Director Will Mure stated they only sold ASC-certified Tasmanian salmon, but pulled it from menus to maintain their sustainability reputation. Tasmanian salmon can still be purchased at Mures fishmongers and retail outlets. Industry peak body Salmon Tasmania has been contacted for comment.

Hobart, Tasmania — Mures Tasmania, a prominent waterfront business in Hobart, has taken the decision to remove Tasmanian salmon from its menu. The move, announced by Director Will Mure, is a response to growing concerns about the industry's practices and sustainability reputation. Despite selling only ASC-certified Tasmanian salmon, Mures Tasmania has decided to pull the product from its restaurant menus to maintain its sustainability stance.

According to Mr. Mure, the decision was not an easy one. "We have a reputation at stake for our sustainability stance and we would like to stay strong to that," he stated. The business will continue to sell ASC-certified Tasmanian salmon in its retail outlets, including the fishmongers at Victoria Dock. However, the spotlight on the industry's issues has put pressure on Mures Tasmania, with customers increasingly questioning the practices.

The industry has been facing scrutiny due to elevated mortalities at salmon farms, particularly in south-eastern Tasmania. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has reported mass deaths of salmon due to the bacterial disease piscirickettsia. This has led to significant environmental concerns and calls for better regulation and transparency.

Mures Tasmania's decision to remove salmon from its menus comes at a time when the industry is under intense public and regulatory scrutiny. The business has been proactive in addressing sustainability issues, focusing on wild-caught fishing and supporting sustainable practices. Director Mure emphasized, "We are pro-aquaculture in Tasmania and we are pro-salmon farming in Tasmania — that’s very important to know. The industry is very good for the Tasmanian economy and we would like to see it continue, but there are very clearly some issues."

The move by Mures Tasmania is part of a broader trend in the Tasmanian hospitality industry. Other businesses, including the Museum of New and Old Art (MONA), have also revised their support for locally farmed salmon. The Bob Brown Foundation has also targeted independent grocery stores, protesting against the stocking of salmon products.

The decision by Mures Tasmania underscores the growing importance of sustainability and ethical considerations in the food industry. As consumers become more aware of environmental and ethical issues, businesses are increasingly under pressure to align their practices with these values.

Industry peak body Salmon Tasmania has been contacted for comment on the recent developments. The future of the Tasmanian salmon industry remains uncertain, with ongoing scrutiny and calls for reform. Mures Tasmania's decision to remove salmon from its menus highlights the complexity of balancing economic interests with environmental and ethical considerations.

As the industry navigates these challenges, businesses like Mures Tasmania will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable seafood practices in Tasmania.