41° South Tasmania is a unique tourist attraction located in the UNESCO approved Tasmanian World Heritage Area. A 45 minute drive from Launceston or Devonport brings you to the salmon farm, ginseng nursery and wetlands near Deloraine. They offer free tastings and a small licensed café is located at the farm where light lunches are available.
The farm was carved out of willow and gorse infested scrub in 1998 . Ponds were built and wetlands were created; a patchwork of wetland grasses, freshwater ponds, dykes, marshes and ferns set along Western Creek Rivulet. The wetland was not only created to attract a wide variety of birds, it’s aim was to also be used as a natural bio-filter for the salmon farm.
There is always something to see, as changing seasons bring different birds and give them a place to feed, breed, nest and rest. Things to do at the farm include a self-guided tour of the fresh water salmon ponds and ginseng display. You can also take a walk along the boardwalk through the wetlands set at the foot of the Montana Falls.
(photo courtesy of Above Down Under)
Business was going well at the farm, however following the release of Richard Flanagan's book Toxic, sales are down 20%. As owner Ben Pyka explains, there are opportunities to expand the industry on land. He says 'all big industries pollute, it's about where you place them and how much they are allowed to grow'. Listen to the ABC interview here.
In relation to this, the following content was recently posted on 41° South Salmon Farm's facebook page.
"With all the media attention we wanted to take the time to explain how our farm works.
Water is gravity fed into the farm, which consists of 20 concrete tanks, where the salmon are housed. The waste that comes from the fish then flows out into a man made and natural wetland. The wetland then acts as a bio filter absorbing the nutrients from the fish waste into the native plants. We test the water that leaves the farm and it is as clean or cleaner than what comes in, therefore having no negative impact on the environment. The wetland also creates a home to many native flora and fauna.
Hopefully this way of farming will be a bigger part of the future of the Tasmanian salmon industry."
The farm also had their 15 minutes (or 2 minutes) of fame on The Drum recently, see below.
41° South is your sustainable choice.
They are open to the public 7 days a week. See more here www.41southtasmania.com.
