THE community is being invited to a forum to hear the latest on the controversial Huon Yellowtail Kingfish Research Project.

Representatives from the NSW Department of Primary Industries and the Huon Group will be on hand for the presentation being hosted by the Hawks/Tea Gardens Progress Association.

The project began late last year with tens of thousands of the yellowtail kingfish fingerlings being released into an offshore sea pen at Providence Bay off Hawks Nest.

At the time, NSW Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair said the trial had the potential to dramatically increase local seafood supply.

Local environmentalists have argued the pens are in the wrong spot, with whales becoming entangled.

Divers claim the pens are attracting sharks.

“We are aware there has been some concern within the community about the environmental impacts of the project as well as other issues,” Patricia Garrard from the Progress Association told News Of The Area.

“This is an opportunity to hear more about the project from the people who are conducting and overseeing it and ask them questions.”

The presentation is being held on Monday 14 August at 7pm in the Old Library on Booner Street at Hawks Nest.

Patricia added, “Please come along and learn more about this important & interesting initiative.”

 

By Margie TIERNEY