• Toxic

  • The Rotting Underbelly of the Tasmanian Salmon Industry
  • By: Richard Flanagan
  • Narrated by: Richard Flanagan
  • Length: 5 hrs and 3 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (4 ratings)

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Toxic

By: Richard Flanagan
Narrated by: Richard Flanagan
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Publisher's Summary

In a triumph of marketing, the Tasmanian salmon industry has for decades succeeded in presenting itself as world's best practice and its product as healthy and clean, grown in environmentally pristine conditions. What could be more appealing than the idea of Atlantic salmon sustainably harvested in some of the world's purest waters?

But what are we eating when we eat Tasmanian salmon? 

Richard Flanagan's expose of the salmon farming industry in Tasmania is chilling. In the way that Rachel Carson took on the pesticide industry in her groundbreaking book Silent Spring, Flanagan tears open an industry that is as secretive as its practices are destructive and its product disturbing.

From the burning forests of the Amazon to the petrochemicals you aren't told about to the endangered species being pushed to extinction you don't know about; from synthetically pink-dyed flesh to seal bombs.... If you care about what you eat, if you care about the environment, this is a book you need to listen to.

Toxic is set to become a landmark book of the 21st century.

©2021 Richard Flanagan (P)2021 Penguin Random House Australia

What listeners say about Toxic

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Shocking revelations

Writing with his usual fluid elegance, Richard Flanagan reveals how awful the salmon industry in Tasmania is. The corruption of the political process by the industry is almost as shocking as the pollution of the waters, the abuse of the animals and the disregard for the local community. I will be looking for alternative fish to eat.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 09-13-21

A well written book about political failure!

A well written and very listenable book about and industry that was able to get away with blatant environmental damage, with the full support of a myopic politicians, despite sound scientific advice. As an engineer, I am amazed that these companies were able conduct operations that damaged the local environment without even basic government oversight, despite the advice of scientific advice. Until politicians are held accountable for their actions with a potential term of imprisonment for irresponsible decisions, the outlook for our environment is depressing! An engaging, but sobering listen. I will certainly never buy farmed salmon again!

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  • Anonymous User
  • 08-04-21

A disturbing insight into Tasmanian Salmon

I absolutely recommend this compelling and well researched book. An environmental tragedy, inept government, business greed and we've been hoodwinked about the quality of Tasmanian Salmon. Toxic has had a huge impact on me. I have listened to it twice, gifted many hard copies and tell anyone who cares to listen. This book gave me an excellent insight into the Tasmanian Salmon industry. Thank you Richard Flanagan.
If you like Salmon and care about our environment, well worth a read.

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  • Kent Mullins
  • 04-25-22

Great book

This book has certainly given me a new perspective on this industry. I had done some research on the subject out of interest but had no real idea about the damage being caused to the pristine waters of Tasmania. Definitely worth reading.

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  • GreatSeaViews
  • 03-20-22

Excellent description of salmon farming

An astounding description of the impacts and perils of salmon farming, especially food fed to salmon to change their colour to be more marketable. It's astounding to find out that the food is made from petrochemical products and offcuts of animals which should challenge consumers to question what they are eating and the risks of doing so. An excellent audiobook nevertheless.

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  • Bruce McDonald
  • 03-02-22

Perfect title for a disastrous industry

I always thought Tasmanian farmed Salmon was the best and was good to eat. I couldn't have been more wrong. After listening to this book my wife and I will NEVER eat farmed Salmon again.

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  • anita
  • 01-04-22

Filthy industry uncovered

At times overly emotional and hyperbolic but none the less important work about the filthy salmon farming industry in Tasmania Australia.
I’m never eating farmed salmon again. Thanks for your research and telling the disturbing story.

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  • Kaitlin Edin
  • 01-02-22

An excellent account

This is non fiction at its best. The topic is truly appalling. I'll never EVER buy Tasmanian 'Atlanic' salmon again. It's an account of such miserable environmental terrorism by the State of Tasmania and the corporate fisheries to be breathtaking. Suffocating on all accounts, but utterly fascinating.

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  • Anonymous User
  • 09-26-21

Will never eat Tasmanian salmon again!

Wow, this blew my mind, and I am telling everyone I know to read it. The world wide impact that Tasmanian salmon farming is having environmentally is too frightening to do nothing about. This is compulsive reading for anyone that cares about marine environments, what they put in their bodies, corrupt corporates and trying to work together to somehow fix this terrible issue. For starters- no more Tasmanian salmon on our menu!

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  • Anonymous User
  • 08-24-21

Well researched and horrifying expose

An extremely well written and damning perspective into the shady and often overlooked evils of the salmon industry. 5 stars and highly recommend !!

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  • Ben kerwin
  • 03-28-23

New anxiety unlocked 🔓

It seems every time you turn your head these days there's another reason to be ashamed of the human race. It was a hard listen but necessary for sure. Farmed salmon is off our family shopping list.
I can't even begin to imagine the anger the residents of Tasmania must feel towards their government officials. If you care for the future of this planet this is just another story that everybody needs to know about.