An Australian senator caused an unusual scene in Parliament on Wednesday, holding up a dead salmon to protest new laws protecting controversial salmon farms in a protected area in Tasmania. Green Party senator Sarah Hanson-Young held a dead salmon in a plastic bag while asking a question to Labor senator Jenny McAllister, representing the Environment Minister.
After several tense moments, Senate President Sue Lines asked Hanson-Young to remove the dead fish from the chamber.
The proposed laws would guarantee the continuation of salmon farms in the Macquarie Harbour protected area on Tasmania’s west coast, while limiting the public’s ability to object to the approval of these activities.
However, environmental groups and the Green Party are concerned about the pollution caused by the salmon industry, including nutrients and chemicals that harm the marine ecosystem. This pollution can endanger the lives of rare animals. The senator’s unusual protest aims to draw attention to the negative impact of salmon farms and raise awareness for protecting the marine environment.