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Tasmania

Tasmania produces the bulk of Australia's farmed Atlantic salmon, world-class oysters, abalone, and southern rock lobster — all benefiting from clean cool waters and strict regulation.

Aquaculture powerhouse

About Tasmania

Tasmania produces the bulk of Australia's farmed Atlantic salmon, world-class oysters, abalone, and southern rock lobster — all benefiting from clean cool waters and strict regulation.

#1Largest farmed seafood producer (by value) in Australia

Catch & production

Volume: 88,000 t (2023)

Tasmania is Australia's largest aquaculture producer — driven almost entirely by farmed Atlantic salmon.

Economic value

~$1.4B (2023)

Key facts

Top species caught here

Fleet & ports

Fleet profile

Vessels: 480

Workers (approx): 5,800

Home ports: HobartTriabunnaStrahanDevonportBicheno

Key fishing ports

Processors, co-ops & markets

Historical timeline

  1. 1962
    Tasmanian abalone fishery commences.
  2. 1984
    First Atlantic salmon eggs imported under strict biosecurity.
  3. 1986
    First sea-pen Atlantic salmon harvested.
  4. 2012
    Macquarie Harbour expansion triggers environmental review cycle.
  5. 2024
    Storm Bay becomes the primary salmon-farming expansion zone.

Cultural & heritage significance

Tasmania is Australia's largest aquaculture producer by volume and value, anchored by farmed Atlantic salmon (Tassal, Huon, Petuna). The wild-catch industry — particularly the Tasmanian Abalone fishery, world-leading by volume — has been a global model for ITQ shellfish management since 1985. Tasmanian seafood routes export to Japan, China, and Hong Kong; the salmon industry is also subject to vigorous environmental scrutiny.

Visitor experiences

Sources cited on this page

  1. Australian fisheries and aquaculture statistics 2023ABARES (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry), 2024
    Annual statistical compendium covering volume, value, exports, employment.
  2. Tasmanian fisheries assessment reportsTasmanian Department of Natural Resources and Environment / IMAS, 2024
  3. Tasmanian salmonid industry at a glanceSalmon Tasmania, 2024

Regions in Tasmania

7 fishing regions have their own profile inside Tasmania.