Aquaculture

Aquaculture is among the fastest-growing food production sectors in the world and is expected to become an increasingly important source of the global fish supply.

Tasmania is internationally recognised for its top quality aquaculture and wild fisheries products. Species that are commercially farmed in Tasmania include abalone, Atlantic salmon, blue mussels, ocean trout, Pacific oysters and seahorses. Wild fisheries include abalone, rock lobster, scallops, giant crab, scalefish, shellfish, seaweed, bull kelp and undaria.

With 3 200 km of unpolluted coastline, aquaculture production comes naturally to Tasmania. The cool and pristine Southern Ocean waters that surround the state provide ideal temperatures and one of the world’s healthiest environments for the raising of premium aquaculture products.

The Tasmanian seafood sector is the most valuable seafood industry in Australia. Annually, the total gross catch is worth over $1 075 million (2019-20) and the total processed and packed value is worth over 1 408 million (2019-20).

The Tasmanian Government recognises that the development of the salmonid industry is important to the economic future of the state. The Tasmanian Government continues to work with industry
to pursue sustainable growth opportunities, particularly the development of farming areas and supporting infrastructure and encouraging research, development and extension.