Introduction

The seacage production of Atlantic salmon and rainbow (Ocean) trout in Tasmania began in the early 1980s and has proved a successful industry for the state, approaching a value of approximately $100 million. The seven companies operating in the southern and western coastal areas employ a significant number of personnel. Juvenile fish are produced by 4 hatcheries across the north and south of the state. The industry has developed rapidly by incorporating a structured R & D program and regulated smolt supply at start-up through the formation of Saltas, a coastal management policy, site fallowing and environmental monitoring program, combined with an innovative industry approach and excellent growing conditions. The industry is represented by the Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association based in Hobart.

The resultant quality products have attracted the attention of other salmon-producing countries and a premium price in the Japanese market. Salmon are produced in clean water and without the use of any antibiotics or biocidal net antifoulants. Production is currently about 10,000 tonne/annum and is expected to continue to increase. Many of the companies are vertically integrated incorporating hatchery, seacage grow-out, processing, marketing and sales.

Overview

Worldwide aquaculture production of salmonids totals approximately 500,000 tonne, the majority of which comprises Atlantic salmon. Other species include rainbow trout, brown trout, chinook salmon, coho salmon, brook charr and Arctic charr. Production occurs in freshwater, brackish water and seawater as many species are anadromous by nature. The largest tonnages are produced in seacages. Some countries (e.g. USA) have developed large stock enhancement programs where fingerlings/smolt are released to the wild from hatcheries to supplement wild stocks or as part of ranching operations.

Atlantic salmon, chinook salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout and brook charr have been introduced into Australian waters with all except chinook salmon also found in Tasmania. Salmonids are grown in the southern areas of Australia from Western Australia around to New South Wales. Although seacage culture of Atlantic salmon has recently begun in South Australia most occurs in the southern and western coastal areas of Tasmania. At present, (1997-8) about 8500 tonne of Atlantic salmon are harvested annually for markets in Australia and overseas (principally Japan). Atlantic salmon stock was introduced into Tasmania as eggs under quarantine from Gaden, NSW in the early 1980s. This stock was originally introduced into NSW from Canada in the early 1960s. Trout were introduced into Tasmania at the turn of the century and have been developed as part of the recreational and aquacultural sectors.