In 2002 the Tasmanian Atlantic salmon industry was in financial difficulty and decided that supply was outstripping demand. The industry association, the Tasmanian Atlantic Salmon Growers Association (TSGA), decided that if all members culled stocks by around 10 per cent, this would meet demand and avoid further price falls.
It sought legal advice but did not correctly brief its lawyers. The advice that the cull would not breach competition laws was consequently flawed. After a meeting of growers approved the plan, agreements were circulated. One member, Tassal, subsequently culled its stocks.
The ACCC investigated and the cull was stopped. Due to the parlous state of the industry and the fact that legal advice had been sought and cooperation shown, the ACCC chose not to pursue penalties. It instead obtained court orders that the industry establish a trade practice compliance training program and stop any future culls.
