Grant Amount: 8000 USD
Duration: One Year ( 2022 )
From: Tasmania, Australia

The Tasmanian government opened a public consultation round on its 10-year plan to double the size of the Atlantic salmon industry. The government’s intention with the Expansion Plan is to hand over more Tasmanian public waters to set up open-net feedlots on every coast of the island. Once the ten-year salmon plan was published for consultation, there was a limited window of just a few months to actively engage the broader community and influence decision-makers.

The immediate aim of NOFF’s project was to influence the outcome of the ten-year expansion plan consultation by forcing the industry out of sheltered, sensitive and non-energetic waterways where the majority of open-net farms are situated.

The grant from the GSFR served as a robust foundation to amplify the campaign and showcase global support to potential Australian donors.
The funds were utilised for film production and distribution during events, including film nights. Additionally, ongoing financial backing sustained the campaign’s staff. Furthermore, investments were made in promotional materials for upcoming initiatives, poster printing, and advertising placements.

Result:

NOFF’s campaign, which was supported by the GSFR’s Grant, had a huge impact on the public opinion: they changed people’s attitude of ignorance and disengagement to one of actively being against open-net salmon farming: 72% of Tasmanians are now against this industry. This political controversy driven by NOFF has also resulted in no expansion of feedlots in the past 12 months despite industry pressure.