The Tasmanian salmon industry places the highest priority on the health and welfare of its fish. To support this, a range of operational and technical measures are in place, including environmental and active health monitoring, as well as wildlife exclusion. Ongoing innovations in transport methods and fish nutrition further enhance fish wellbeing, alongside the work of aquatic veterinarians and other fish health specialists who collaborate closely with farming operations.
Stocking densities in Tasmania’s salmon industry are among the lowest globally, at around 1%—meaning 1% salmon and 99% water. In practical terms, this equates to 8–12 kg of salmon in 1,000 kg (or litres) of water. This low density not only gives fish ample space to swim but also supports a steady flow of oxygenated water through the pens, helps maintain water quality, lowers disease risk, and creates a healthier, more natural environment.
Vaccination plays a critical role in maintaining fish health and welfare within Tasmania’s salmon industry. By preparing the immune system to respond to specific viral and bacterial pathogens, vaccines help prevent disease before fish become unwell and reduce the need for medical intervention.
For more than 30 years, the Tasmanian salmon industry has invested in the research, development, and use of specialised vaccines as a primary tool for protecting fish health. Today, approximately 30 million fish are vaccinated annually to support fish welfare, improve survival rates, and minimise the use of antibiotics.
Recognising early on the need for effective and locally developed fish health solutions, the industry established strong partnerships with the Tasmanian Government to support vaccine research and innovation. As a result, Tasmania’s salmonid vaccines have been developed locally through the State Government’s Centre for Aquatic Animal Health and Vaccines (CAAHV), helping ensure vaccine programs are tailored to local conditions and industry needs.
Salmon Tasmania considers a robust biosecurity framework essential for the industry’s survival and future growth. It has strongly supported the introduction of the Biosecurity Act 2019 and has worked collaboratively with government to develop a shared Biosecurity Plan.
Salmon feed ingredients, like all stockfeed in Australia, are strictly regulated, independently audited, and fully traceable back to their source. All components must comply with the Australian Stockfeed and Petfood Regulations, overseen by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
Feed is carefully formulated to meet specific nutritional requirements that change at each stage of a salmon’s growth, and specialist manufacturers produce feed to these exact specifications. Australian regulations also require feed companies to disclose ingredient information, contributing to the safety, quality, and transparency of Tasmanian farmed salmon as a nutritious and sustainable food source. For more information on salmon feed, including ingredients, refer to the industry’s feed companies BioMar and Skretting.
The industry works closely with its feed suppliers to continually improve formulations, supporting fish health, welfare, and growth. Ongoing innovation has also reduced the reliance on wild-caught fish ingredients, improving the overall sustainability of feed production. Plant-based and land-sourced ingredients are obtained from responsible suppliers with strong commitments to traceability, sustainability, and quality.
Importantly, Tasmanian salmon feed contains no genetically modified (transgenic) ingredients, and fish are never given growth hormones or growth promoters.
Astaxanthin
Salmon’s pink colour comes from astaxanthin, a natural antioxidant found in their wild diet. Salmon cannot produce it themselves and obtain it in the wild by eating crustaceans such as krill. In aquaculture, feeds include synthesised astaxanthin that is identical to the natural form to ensure fish receive this essential nutrient. Astaxanthin is safe for human consumption and is also used in some nutraceutical products.
