| Tasmanian Aquaculture
Tasmania's island status and relative isolation provides an environment regarded as world class for the production of farmed marine species.
The climate, the clean waters around Tasmania coupled with a strict regime of quality and quarantine controls enable marine farmers to produce a product that is superb, exported all around the world.
Atlantic Salmon
Pacific Oysters
Sea-raised Ocean (Rainbow) Trout
Blue Mussels
Abalone
Scallops
Sea Horses
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Atlantic Salmon:
The farming of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) began in the early 1980's with the first harvest taking place in 1986/87, yielding 53 tonnes. By 1997/98 this harvest had swelled to in excess of 7,500 tonnes, and projected figures would indicate that by 2005 the harvest should exceed 20,000 tonnes.
Tasmanian conditions lend themselves to quick growth rates in this species, with none of the diseases and pollutants that are found in other countries affecting the Tasmanian stocks.
Producers and processors maintain stringent hygiene standards. A significant range of value-adding procedures enhance the marketability of the salmon. This growing and dynamic industry generates annual revenue in excess of AUD$150 million.
The business of farming Atlantic salmon has resulted in a substantial amount of research and energy being put into the development of equipment and farming techniques.
Tasmanian industry has been active in the manufacture and export of plastic circular "grow-out" cages.
Containment nets and other equipment such as computerised feeders and work boats are designed and manufactured for the local market, with some of this equipment exported to both the Australian mainland and other countries.
Expertise in the production of protein rich foods for caged fish has been under on-going development in Tasmania. These foods are designed to promote quick growth rates in cage conditions.
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Links:
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Links to salmon farmers websites:
Link to Department of Primary Industries Water and Environment
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