The expansion will enable Huon to grow larger salmon on land, reducing the time fish spend in open waters.
Australian salmon farmer Huon Aquaculture is investing AUD 110 million ($73 million) to expand its land-based salmon farming facilities in southern Tasmania, aiming to bolster its Whale Point operations with a new Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS).
“Huon salmon can already spend most of their lifecycle on land and this expansion strengthens our land-based farming capabilities,” said Huon CEO Henry Batista. The project will also improve water use efficiency at Whale Point, increasing recycled water in the RAS to 99%.
Construction is set to begin in early 2025, subject to approvals, and is expected to create around 150 construction jobs and new roles in the Port Huon community. The facility aims to be fully operational by 2027, creating eight additional full-time jobs.
“This investment allows us to utilize our existing land and offshore marine farming sites to meet growing demand for our premium Tasmanian salmon, while providing a significant boost for the construction industry and local businesses,” Batista added.
Business, Industry, and Resources Minister Eric Abetz welcomed the investment, highlighting the anticipated regional benefits. “The expected benefits to the region from the construction and operational phases of this proposed world-leading hatchery would be far-reaching, boosting regional employment, bolstering business confidence, and giving the community certainty into the future,” he said.
The project is set to generate more than 150 jobs during construction and 8 permanent jobs at Huon once the facility is operational. Huon plans to start building the new facility in early 2025 (pending approvals) and aims to be fully operational by 2027.
