Labor Claims George, Bob Brown of “Environmental Fear Mongering”

Labor MP Janie Finlay claim Bob Brown, Peter George and others have peddled misinformation about the recent bioluminescence events across southern Tasmania.

the party claims that they are manufacturing an environmental scare to fit political narratives.

Bob Brown in a social media post on Saturday initially suggested the blooms may be linked to nearby salmon farms, later clarifying that the events were natural but could be influenced by nutrient inputs. Mr Brown also stating that “no government action has been taken on this”.

“When science doesn’t suit their politics, they try to bend the truth. People like Bob Brown and Peter George have a platform, and with that comes a responsibility to be honest – not spread misinformation or run fear campaigns for their own political purposes.” said Janie.

Gustaaf Hallegraeff, a meritus professor at the University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, has spent over four decades studying harmful algal blooms.

According to Dr Hallegraeff, these organisms may have been thriving offshore, deep underwater, for weeks or even months. When they perish, they rise to the surface, forming a distinctive red layer.

The Professor went on to explain that such plankton also don’t need nutrients such as ammonia and urea released by salmon pens, but the plankton could cause issues for salmon farms.

“Independent marine scientists have been clear: this is a naturally occurring phenomenon…Protecting our natural assets requires facts, science, and integrity – not fear mongering and political opportunism.” Janie stated.

In addition, Testing followed claims from environmental groups who had warned of ecological danger. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) said the bloom is seasonal, unrelated to aquaculture, and distinct from harmful species.

Salmon Tasmania has demanded an apology for what it called “alarmist scaremongering” from activists, while NRE said testing was undertaken to provide public reassurance despite the bloom being a common occurrence.

At the publication of this post, Mr Brown or Peter George have not responded publicly to the claims put forward by Tasmanian Labor or the NRE.