Why are retail giants reducing their purchases of Australian salmon?

The retail giant has cut its purchases of Australian salmon mainly to protect the local endangered species - Maugene skate. Here are the main reasons:

Endangered status of Maugene skate:
The furry ray is endemic to southern Australia and is found only in the brackish waters of Macquarie Harbor and Basseterre Harbor in Tasmania. In recent years, the species' population has declined significantly and is on the verge of extinction.

Effects of farmed salmon on Maugene skate:
Macquarie Harbor in Tasmania is not only a habitat for Maugene skate, but also home to the farms of Australia's three major salmon farming companies (Tassal Group, Huon Aquaculture Company and Petuna). The purchasing activities of retail giants such as Coles have a significant impact on local breeding companies.

Environmental and ecological pressures:
In addition to being a salmon farming base, Macquarie Port is also involved in activities such as hydroelectric dam construction, recreational and commercial gillnet fishing, as well as the legacy of historical mining operations and the impact of climate change. These factors have collectively caused a serious impact on the local ecology. Huge pressure.

Environmental groups’ appeal:
There have been strong calls from shareholders and environmental groups for supermarkets to stop sourcing farmed salmon from Macquarie Port to protect the vulnerable species of Maugene skate.

Coles’ response:
Coles has reduced salmon purchases from Macquarie Port and is supporting industry conservation projects to improve oxygen levels in the port, such as the Macquarie Port reoxygenation project.

Government position:
Australia's environment minister said some salmon farming in Macquarie Harbor may be halted to protect Maugene skate. Although the government renewed the operation license of the harbor breeding farm in early 2024, opposition from environmentalists still exists.
To sum up, the retail giant’s reduction in purchases of Australian salmon is due to the protection of the local endangered species Maugene skate, as well as considerations for the environment and ecological balance.