Debate is intensifying in Tasmania over the use of antibiotics in the salmon industry.

Salmon farmers could be banned from using the antibiotic florfenicol as early as next week; after the drug was detected in abalone and lobsters more than 10 kilometres from the nearest salmon pens.

Authorities have proposed suspending emergency permits -- which allowed companies to use the antibiotic.

The industry has been using the drug to combat a bacterial disease which led to a mass mortality event last year.

• GUEST: Peter George, Tasmanian independent member for state seat of Franklin 
• PRODUCER: Eddy Diamond