The Tasmanian salmon industry's use of antibiotic florfenicol is under scrutiny as the federal agency that approved its use proposes to suspend the licence. The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) granted an emergency permit for florfenicol in November, but new testing reveals its presence in waters far from salmon farms, raising concerns about environmental impact. The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) found traces of the antibiotic in non-target species, prompting the APVMA to request further data. The agency has now advised the permit holder, Abbey Laboratories, that it plans to suspend the permit, giving them until March 2, 2026, to provide evidence. The salmon industry, represented by Salmon Tasmania, argues that florfenicol is used responsibly and does not harm the environment, but the Greens have criticized the Liberal government's approval process, calling for immediate action to protect Tasmanian waters.
