Salmon Tasmania names new chief

Trade body Salmon Tasmania has announced a changing of the guard in its leadership, with Dr John Whittington to succeed Luke Martin as chief executive.

Chairman Lyall Howard said the industry was thrilled to have secured someone of Dr Whittington’s calibre and experience to build on Martin’s leadership.

Martin has been a key figure in a fight to prevent the closure of salmon farms in Tasmania's Macquarie Harbour in the face of claims that the industry threatened the survival of the Maugean skate, which is found only in the harbour.

Last week, Australia’s Senate passed a bill to safeguard salmon farming in the harbour by ending a formal reconsideration of whether an industry expansion in 2012 was properly approved.

“Luke has been an outstanding advocate for our industry over the past two-years,” Howard said.

“He has led our industry with passion, skill and determination whilst navigating the challenging circumstances with Macquarie Harbour. Without him, the west coast community would be facing an uncertain future.

Respect and thanks

“Luke will leave Salmon Tasmania with the respect and thanks of our industry from the very highest levels of our companies to the thousands of salmon workers and their families across the State.”

Howard said the time was right to welcome Whittington to the role.

“Dr Whittington is one of Tasmania’s most experienced executives as the former Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, and currently CEO of the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre.

“John has extensive experience with our industry’s regulatory and policy environment, and we are delighted that he will lead the industry through the exciting next chapter.

“There is no doubt we have had a difficult few months with the mortality event in the southeast and the intense activism focused on the Federal Election.

“Dr Whittington is a highly respected and credible leader in our industry who is well placed to lead the industry through our next period. Following a fantastic couple of years with Luke, there is no one better to do the job.”

Whittington is expected to commence in the role in the coming months.