July 30, 2024

By Gerelyn Terzo, Global AgInvesting Media

Australia-based Atlantic salmon producer Huon Aquaculture, which is 100 percent backed by Brazilian food giant JBS, has committed to invest A$110 million (US$71.8 million) to bolster land-based salmon production at its Whale Point site in southern Tasmania. Huon, Australia’s No. 2 salmon producer and the pioneer of aquaculture and off-shore farming in Tasmania, will harness its recently developed Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) for the project. In support of the local government’s Salmon Industry Plan, the expansion is expected to add 150 construction jobs to the economy and support eight full-time positions in the small community of Port Huon.

Huon will direct the funds toward an expansion of its existing freshwater Atlantic salmon nursery, including the construction of a new RAS at its Whale Point site in Port Huon with a capacity for over 7 million fish. The proceeds will enable Huon to continue growing fish for longer stretches in tanks on land so those salmon that are sent to sea will be bigger and spend less time in marine ecosystems. Huon will commence construction of the facility in early 2025, pending permitting approvals, with an expectation to be fully operational by 2027.

Atlantic Salmon, which have earned a reputation as the “King of Fish,” have the ability to survive in both fresh and saltwater. As of July, large salmon of up to 10 pounds have reportedly begun making their way to Western Australia in what is turning out to be a productive season for the industry.

Huon Aquaculture CEO Henry Batista explained, “Huon salmon can already spend most of their lifecycle on land and this expansion strengthens our land-based farming capabilities. This investment will also further improve water use at Whale Point, increasing the amount of water recycled in the RAS to 99 percent. The remaining one percent of water is used in our aquaculture operations and filtered waste from the facility is used by local farmers to grow produce like cherries.”

In response to Huon’s investment announcement, Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz stated, “As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are backing the industry in its pursuit to grow jobs and invest in projects around Tasmania. 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.”

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