Welcome from Salmon Tasmania
It is 12-months since I joined Salmon Tasmania and a moment to reflect on what I have come to learn about your industry.
Like many Tasmanians, my perceptions of the salmon aquaculture industry had been shaped by what I had seen and heard in the media.
Few Tasmanians have had the opportunities I have had over
this past year to visit our farms and processing plants, and the chance to speak with so many passionate and skillful Tasmanians working across this industry.
Above all else, I have come to develop a deep respect for the innovative, ‘can do’ approach that underpins every aspect of this industry, along with the genuine commitment
our people have to their companies, their colleagues and the industry, and its value to the regional communities they love.
This edition of SMOLT is just a snapshot into the positive impact our industry is having across the Tasmanian community.
Luke Martin, CEO.
Luke Martin Chief Executive Officer
Matt Barrenger Technical Director
Stuart Harris Communications Director
Jess Hyland Environmental Specialist
Lyall Howard Chair
our heritage
For almost two decades, biologist Harry King was a key player in the success of Tasmania’s first commercial salmonid hatchery. Dr King says the Wayatinah operation was one of the most sophisticated, and research efforts extending the smolt window and controlling risks put Saltas at the cutting edge.
As a youngster, Scottish-born Harry King was more likely to follow his father into engineering in the UK than shift 10,000 miles away for a career in reproductive biology.
But he caught the marine bug early, during his schooling in Penicuik: “I was a very keen diver at high school. I was very fortunate with a teacher who actually set up a snorkelling club that linked with a dive club, so that’s where the real interest came from.”
His affinity with the sea outranked his love of maths and physics, and despite the more limited career opportunities, he opted for biology: “I realised I was lazy and I would struggle with mathematics, and more to the point, with the study required.” A degree in Marine Biology at the Heriot Watt University (Edinburgh) landed him an ‘arms and legs’ job with one of Scotland’s biggest farms: “Jacques Cousteau already had the job that I wanted.”
“It was back in the days when people didn’t get too worried about conservation, so there were very few opportunities for a marine biologist.
“In the end I had to get a job, there was an overdraft that had to be dealt with so I got a
job through a friend with contacts at Marine Harvest. “It was ‘grunt’ work, in an era without much technology.”
He won a scholarship to study Applied Fish Biology at Plymouth University and, while doing his master’s, travelled around the UK to study fish farming operations and decided Marine Harvest was the leader.
Around the same time in Tasmania (in 1988), research and trilling around the new Atlantic salmon stock was finding success.
In Scotland, Harry’s then girlfriend (now wife) Catriona Macleod was working alongside the manager of a selective breeding program at Marine Harvest, Angus MCNeil: Although Angus had been brought up in the Western Isles of Scotland, he’d actually been born in Melbourne and had been moved back as a baby.
He’d always had a hankering to come back to Australia. In late 1990, Salmon Enterprises of Tasmania (Saltas) was on the hunt for a research officer and a hatchery production manager, so Harry contacted Angus to get his input: “I went for the hatchery manager’s job and my wife the research job - but because of my master’s qualification they had a preference to put me into the research position.”
His first inspection of the Saltas hatchery at Wayatinah vindicated his decision to work in Tasmania. “Things were pretty primitive in the early days, but the hatchery wasn’t, it was pretty impressive” said Harry.
Alex Purves
Alec Purves has been described as the father’ of the salmonid industry in Australia. From a small ‘primitive’ trout farm in Bridport, he began before the potential of Tasmanian aquaculture was well understood.
Alec survived the vagaries of several sites with little government backing, began a hatchery and exported eggs around the world. As the major era of salmon farming was underway in Tasmania, Alec was phasing out his involvement.
Alec Purves loved catching rainbow trout long before he made money out of farming them: “I was a mad keen trout fisherman and so was the old man.” Alec grew up at Latrobe in Tasmania’s North West in the 1930s, and from age eight attended boarding school before moving to Melbourne to study at university.
But it was when he joined the old Australian National Airlines (ANA) travelling overseas, the idea of growing fish first struck him: “I was in Belgium and I went to a trout farm there and that gave me the idea.” On returning from overseas and while in the ‘rag trade’, he was able to actually learn the game. He swapped jobs, and ended up doing the ‘donkey work’ on a freshwater trout farm in the USA. “A friend of mine had the biggest one in the world at that stage in Idaho, the Snake River Company.”
“He and I bought a car and went around the local farms, and quite a few around the east as well.” While it was only a few months, Alec says he wasn’t working all the time, but going around trying to pick their brains and taking notes.”
When he returned to Tasmania, he had ‘a few ideas’ about good sites but was seeking a rare freshwater and saltwater combined site for the longer term, more suitable for commercial farming. “Mick Olsen, who was Director of CSIRO in those days, put me onto Bridport because it’s got the 12-foot drop in the river and the salt water as well.
“When that set-up got too small for the town, they put another dam further up, and so I took over part of the old supply line.” Alec began growing freshwater trout using the saltwater intake to control parasites. “The salt water would knock them, and the small fish could take a couple of hours of salt a day and that controlled it.” But he learnt the salt water was a mixed blessing because of the diseases it transferred to his trout.
Initially the small farm he began in his early 30s was primitive and self-made. “Originally, we had cages in Bridport that had 44-gallon drums as floats on timber frames, which had nets hanging off them, moored with simple anchors!”
Alec began Sevrup Fisheries (Purves spelt backwards), but selling farmed trout in 1962 would be unprecedented, and Alec confronted a long-held tradition against commercialising Tasmanias favourite sport fish: “A lot of the anglers said, “You bring trout in and you’ll get diseases and wreck the fishing industry,” - which is essentially rubbish. In fact it’s the other way around: disease from outside is likely to come into the farm unless you bring in diseased fish, which of course we didn’t.”
It’s a tremendous honour to have been given responsibility for the newly established portfolio of Business, Industry and Resources and I look forward to working with your industry to deliver outcomes that will keep our economy strong, provide certainty and create opportunity for Tasmanians and our Tasmanian businesses.
The Salmon industry is an amazing success story - it has grown rapidly to become the state’s largest primary industry sector, largest seafood producer in Australia, and a major statewide employer. I will work hard to ensure that this success
Eric Abetz MP Minister for Business,
Industry & Resources
can continue through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future. This will ensure that the industry and those involved in it have certainty, stability and opportunity going forward.
During the recent election campaign, I was fortunate enough to be invited out on the water in Storm Bay to visit marine farming operations and meet with staff at shore-based facilities at Margate. I also recently had the opportunity to visit the aquaculture hub at Strahan. It’s clear from these visits that the federal Labor Government’s inaction when it comes to a decision on Macquarie Harbour is having an unsettling effect on the industry and those it employs, in the community on the west and northwest coast. This doesn’t have to be the case.
From a business, employment and community perspective I am deeply concerned at the uncertainty this open ended “process” is causing. As I flagged to those employees on the west coast, the Tasmanian Liberal Government is abso-
lutely committed to the continuation of salmon farming operations in Macquarie Harbour and I will not back away from this issue.
This Government wants to see the salmon industry grow sustainably and continue to bring positive social and economic benefits to Tasmania, including on our west coast.
A standing invitation is in place for the Prime Minister and Minister Plibersek to visit Macquarie Harbour so that they can hear firsthand from those who face the ongoing uncertainty the EPBC reconsideration has created. I also call on Labor MPs, especially those with considerable aquaculture jobs in their electorates, to call on Minister Plibersek to give our regional communities the certainty that they need. They should do the right thing and step up.
That’s what the Liberals do when it comes to Tasmanian jobs.
29 May, 2024 - Minister Abetz meets with salmon industry workers in Macquarie Harbour
Tammy Tyrrell visits Macquarie Harbour
It was wonderful to have Independent Senator Tammy Tyrrell visit Macquarie Harbour in April.
We appreciate Senator Tyrrell taking the time to learn first hand about the industry’s efforts to address oxygenation through the Macquarie Harbour Oxygenation Project and to tour our operations.
We all finished up with a bbq lunch to hear directly from those who work on the harbour every day.
We welcome the new Labor team to Strahan
Fantastic to have the newly appointed leader of the opposition Dean Winter MP along with Deputy Leader Anita Dow MP and Shane Broad MP come out on Macquarie Harbour last month to see first hand the accomplishments of the Macquarie Harbour Oxygenation Project trial and to meet with the workers.
With farmed salmon being one of the world’s most carbon friendly proteins, and with the significant contribution our industry makes to the Tasmanian economy, the importance of the success of our industry should not be understated.
Simon Behrakis visits Tassal feed centre
Great to have Simon Behrakis MP along for a tour of the Tassal Seafood feed centre. We appreciate Simon taking the time to learn how scientifically driven, responsible and innovative our industry is.
Ales Salmon Tails & Kingston
Salmon Tasmania hosts a program of monthly networking events, Ales & Salmon Tails. These are free, casual get togethers for industry staff and stakeholders.
If you haven’t attended one yet be sure to keep an eye out for the next one in your area.
Dover
Churchill Fellowship
Seaweed & Salmon Farming
In 2023, Huon’s Asset & Planning Manager Dr Shea Cameron had the opportunity to visit seaweed farms and producers in Norway, the Faroe Islands, Scotland, Wales, England and the USA.
This was done as part of a Winston Churchill Fellowship he was awarded in 2022.
A Churchill Fellowship gives Australians the ability to research a topic that interests them and that can contribute to the wider community.
Dr Cameron’s project set out to look at introducing what is known as “Integrated MultiTrophic Aquaculture” into Tasmanian salmon farms, focusing on what is needed to be able to farm seaweed alongside salmon leases.
Tasmania is rich in seaweed diversity, but climate change, urchins and urbanisation has led to 95% of some of our kelp species being lost from local waters. Seaweed has many uses as a raw material, from animal feeds and plastics to fertilisers.
The project found that Tasmania is uniquely positioned to farm seaweed, with an optimal environment to cultivate seaweed year-round. Dr Cameron is also an avid believer in incorporating seaweed into his everyday diet, sharing his recipe for seaweed brownies which were a huge hit in the office.
Dr Shea Cameron - Huon Aquaculture
SEAWEED BROWNIES
RECIPE
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 Tablespoon ground dried seaweed (Can be purchased from specialist grocers)
• 1 Cup brown sugar
• 3 Eggs- beaten
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla essence
• 200g Butter
• ½ Flour
• ¼ Cocoa
• 200g Chocolate chips
METHOD:
1. Melt butter and chocolate chips together.
2. Add vanilla to beaten eggs and then add in brown sugar.
3. Add egg mixture to butter chocolate mixture.
4. Stir in flour, cocoa and seaweed.
5. Add in extra chocolate chips if desired.
6. Place in a greased pan (20cm x 20cm).
7. Bake for 15 minutes at 160C or until desired texture.
8. Let cool and then put in the fridge.
MHOP update
The ongoing Macquarie Harbour Oxygenation Project has been producing encouraging results for the harbour.
During the early stages of the trial, a total of 500kg of oxygen per day was injected, with a subsequent increase to 720kg per day for the remainder of the seven-day trial. The injected oxygen dispersed rapidly at depth as predicted by the modelling.
Environmental monitoring throughout the trial has collected an abundance of ecological and environmental data, and the scientific observations and analysis confirmed that there were no responses of concern. Nutrient and heavy metal concentrations in the water column remained unchanged from before, during and after the trial, and the sediments were not disturbed.
Consequently, scientists have commenced the second stage of the project which will increase the oxygen load delivered each
day from 1000 to 1500kg. The oxygen discharge system continues to perform well, with the oxygen dispersing rapidly at the intended depth.
Looking ahead, the next stage will increase the load and duration and explore further modifications of the delivery system to enhance operational effectiveness. Real-time sensor data and camera monitoring will complement scheduled sampling activities, providing comprehensive insights into the project’s evolution and impact.
IMAS’ Associate Professor and project lead Dr Jeff Ross said “we are really encouraged by the environmental performance of the oxygenation system after the first trial. “We have seen further improvements already in the second trial in response to the engineering enhancements” he said.
“The current trial will see our oxygen addition approaching two
tonnes per day in the final week, and looking ahead, we will continue to work with the engineers on improving the operational efficiency of the delivery system as we scale up.”
Matt Barrenger, Technical Director for Salmon Tasmania, recognised the ingenuity and adaptiveness of the operational teams. “A large team from across multiple companies has been working alongside and collaboratively with the scientists on this project and they are to be applauded he said..
“This project has been implemented in a very short timeframe and as we all know the West Coast conditions can be challenging at the best of times. It is a real testament to their professionalism and experience.”
The results from the first trial will be published by IMAS in the coming weeks.
Petuna Breeding
climate-proof salmon
Petuna has spearheaded a ground-breaking research program designed to breed physiologically advanced salmon and trout, with the ability to withstand the impact of climate change on sea temperatures and oxygen levels.
Petuna’s Breeding Program Coordinator, Zoey Ngui, has been managing the cryopreservation project aimed to preserve milt, with the ultimate goal of creating
a sperm bank of Petuna’s best genetics.
“Water temperatures are going up every year, so we need to make sure the fish can survive in these increasingly challenging conditions,” Zoey said.
“Most salmon worldwide cannot survive past 20 degrees Celsius, yet Tasmanian salmon uniquely tolerate temperatures up to 22 degrees.
Petuna’s Breeding Program Coordinator, Zoey Ngui
“We can’t control the water temperatures, but we can control what kind of fish we put in those conditions.”
The cryopreservation will allow the best genetics to be bred, meaning better quality fish that can survive warmer waters.
“By breeding more thermaltolerant fish, we are increasing their survival rates and they’re going to be happier,” Zoey said.
Working with a Canadian company, Zoey has been preserving the milt, covering it with a protective material before freezing it with liquid nitrogen. The milt can then be defrosted in warm water when needed.
“The technology used also allows the milt to cross year classes, meaning that milt from previous years can be used to fertilize eggs now, and in the future,” she said.
“This maintains biodiversity, meaning lower rates of inbreeding, which will make the salmon less vulnerable to disease.
“The key benefit of this program is that it acts as a risk mitigation tool to ensure that we can continue breeding the highest quality salmon in the event of a natural disaster or any unforeseen circumstances.”
Since last year, enough milt has been frozen and stored in the Petuna sperm bank to fertilize up to 3.8 million eggs with much more on the way.
NBL Champions
help kids get off to a winning start
More than 1500 Tasmanian school children will tip-off Term One with a focus on nutrition, wellbeing, and resilience, thanks to a new program from Tasmania JackJumpers and Huon Aquaculture.
The JackJumpers in Schools Program will roll out into more than 50 Tasmanian classrooms in February after a successful pilot program late last year. “Jack Jumpers CEO Christine
Finnegan said there had been an overwhelmingly positive response to the Schools Program since it’s soft launch back in September.
“Together with Huon, our original goal was to engage 50 classrooms across Tasmania for the whole of 2024, and we have already exceeded that target for the start of Term One with schools all over the state signing up to take advantage of the program” she said.
Written by Tasmanian primary school teachers and in line with the Tasmanian education curriculum, the JackJumpers in Schools Program, supported by Huon, incorporates learning modules around resilience, diversity, nutrition, and exercise.
“We feel this program can have a really positive impact in classrooms across Tasmania, spreading the club’s values and helping to promote healthy, active and mindful growth to students through their adolescent years,” Ms Finnegan said.
“Our school and community clinics teach basketball lessons, but this program will help us further our reach off the court, to make sure kids are good people as well as talented athletes.”
The Grade 3 and 4 program also uses JackJumpers players through video content, produced by Tasmanian company, IdeasBanq, which helps bring the educational content to life.
“This program is a fantastic opportunity to teach kids about the winning combination for a healthy lifestyle, that incorporates exercise and movement, and a diet full of fresh, nutritious
foods,” Huon General Manager Stakeholder & Government Relations, Hannah Gray said.
“Following a successful trial in a handful of schools last year, the program was officially offered to primary schools across Tasmania at the start of the year, and we’re thrilled that already more than 50 Grade 3 and 4 classes have signed up to complete the learning modules” she said.
JackJumpers and Huon will now look to expand the program into more schools across Tasmania, with expressions of interest for Term Two 2024 now open via the JackJumpers website.
Schools who sign up to the program can also go into the draw to win JackJumpers school visits and clinics throughout the year.
charging
with sustainability forward
Skretting Australia’s parent company Nutreco has recently made two big sustainability announcements, both of which will have big impacts for Skretting Australia’s carbon footprint.
First, they made the bold decision to switch all facilities to 100% green electricity, a move that will slash their global scope 1 and 2 emissions by around 22%.
Second, it has been mandated that for CapEx equipment under $2.5 million, wherever possible and feasible, the installation of electric options are mandatory.
Big decisions at the global level do not always translate to big impact at the local level, but that is not the case in this instance.
Skretting Australia has the ambition of reducing its scope 1&2 emissions by 3% annually - these new policies are going to directly drive the successful accomplishment of this target.
Following this guidance, Skretting will be replacing its existing gas boilers with new state-of-the-art electric boilers. Electric boilers achieve a much higher level of energy efficiency, which means Skretting’s energy consumption and associated emissions will decrease. This impact is compounded by Nutreco’s new policy to purchase 100% green energy, where the energy used to power the boilers will have a significantly lower emissions factor than the existing boilers.
Skretting Australia’s HSE Manager, Emma Piercey said
“Skretting’s new boilers would not only use less energy, but the energy they did use would be greener.
“These two factors will result in a big reduction in CO2-eq emissions, about a third of all the CO2 benefit we have identified so far” she said.
Skretting is also in the process of implementing new electric forklifts at its Cambridge facility.
“The introduction of electric forklifts with heated cabins is a leap forward in operator comfort,” says Ms Piercey. “Our team can now perform their duties in a more comfortable environment, which is especially important during the cold shifts.”
These policies not only reduce our carbon footprint, but they also demonstrate our dedication to ‘walking the walk’ in sustainability.
Skretting Australia is proud to be at the forefront of this change, driving Nutreco’s vision of Feeding the Future with actions that speak louder than words.
Emma Piercey - HSE Manager - Skretting
The forklifts are also equipped with an innovative halo light system.
“Safety is our top priority,” Ms Piercey said. “The halo light system provides an additional safety net, making our warehouse operations safer for everyone involved.”
Transitioning to electric forklifts is expected to reduce Skretting Australia’s emissions by about 420 tonnes of CO2-eq annually.
“While this number might seem small in the grand scheme of things, this reduction is equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of 20-28 average Australians,” Piercey points out.
“These two projects are a clear indication of our commitment to making a positive environmental impact; Every little bit counts!”
Siddhartha Challagulla - Engineering Manager & Nevena Misljenovic - Technical Manager
Guardians of our a partnership for a cleaner tomorrow
Coastlines
In 2017, a groundbreaking partnership formed between Tassal, Australia’s largest salmon producer, and pakana Services, an aboriginal training and employment organisation.
“pakana,” a term that means Tasmanian Aboriginal, embodies the spirit of teamwork and collaboration essential to the mission of providing meaningful training and employment for the Aboriginal community in Tasmania. The partnership,
which began with a focus on marine debris cleanup in the Channel region, has blossomed into a statewide initiative with significant environmental benefits.
The success of this partnership lies in a shared vision for environmental stewardship and community empowerment.
Tassal, committed to sustainable aquaculture, recognised the importance of clean marine environments for its operations.
Meanwhile, pakana Services, with its mission to create employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal Tasmanians, saw an opportunity to engage its community in meaningful work that also had a broader ecological impact.
Daniel Brooks & Warren Wright from pakana Services
Tom Middleton, Tassal’s GM of Corporate Affairs and Community, reflects on the partnership with pride.
“This collaboration is incredibly important to us. We deeply appreciate the dedication and contribution of the pakana crew every single week,” he says.
“We often call the pakana crew our ocean and coastal guardian partners. Their support since 2017 has been instrumental as we work towards zero marine debris.”
The marine debris initiative is a cornerstone of this partnership, emphasising a “stop it at the source” approach.
This strategy includes comprehensive training for staff, floating equipment registers, twice-daily gear checks, GPS trackers on large floating items, marked gear, and marine debris pledges from contractors and suppliers.
The goal is to keep the oceans and coasts safe and clean, a pri-
ority for both Tassal and pakana Services.
Middleton elaborates on the initiative’s comprehensive nature: “Our program isn’t just about cleaning up debris that’s already out there. It’s about preventing it from getting into the water in the first place. This proactive approach involves everyone in the supply chain and operational process, from our staff to our suppliers.”
John Easton, the Manager of pakana Services, explains that shoreline clean-up and marine debris collection are far more sophisticated tasks than merely picking up rubbish.
“Thanks to Tassal, we have been able to make a real difference to the environment, waterways, and marine farming culture and practices.
It is a rewarding
and enriching
experience, particularly when you can see the impact it is having,” Easton
says.
Based in Mornington, the pakana crew travels to various locations across Tasmania every Friday, performing coastline clean-ups. They regularly visit areas such as Nubeena, Triabunna, Dover, and Margate.
The crew’s dedication extends beyond waste collection; they have also undergone training with BirdLife Australia to ensure their activities do not disrupt wildlife.
They are acutely aware of the breeding patterns of different species found in Tasmania and make sure their clean-ups respect the local wildlife.
The collaboration with BirdLife Australia underscores the depth of the pakana Services team’s commitment to ecological preservation.
The team has been trained to identify and respect the habitats of various bird species, ensuring that their clean-up activities do not disrupt nesting or breeding patterns. This aspect of the program highlights a holistic approach to environmen-
Since 2017 pakana has dedicated 17,272 hours to the initiative, covering 4,749 kilometers of shoreline and collecting 728.7 cubic meters of waste.
tal stewardship, considering both immediate and long-term ecological impacts.
Easton speaks to the significance of this training: “Understanding the local wildlife and their habitats is crucial. It’s not just about removing debris; it’s about doing so in a way that supports the entire ecosystem.
“This training has made our team more knowledgeable and conscientious in our efforts.”
The results of this partnership are impressive. Since its inception, pakana has dedicated 17,272 hours to the initiative, covering 4,749 kilometers of shoreline and collecting 728.7 cubic meters of waste. This collective effort has significantly
reduced the waste attributed to Tassal, from 27% at the start of the program to less than 5% today, with a continued commitment to further reduce this figure.
Middleton emphasises the ongoing nature of this commitment: “Our marine debris program is designed to address the problem at its source, and the
ongoing dedication of the pakana crew ensures that we are continually making progress. Their work helps us achieve our sustainability goals, and we couldn’t be prouder of the partnership we’ve built.”
For the pakana Services team, the impact of their work is clear every day. As Easton notes: “The difference we’re making
is visible in the cleaner shorelines, healthier waterways, and improved practices within the marine farming industry.
“It’s more than just a job; it’s about making a lasting impact on the environment and our community.”
This partnership also carries significant cultural importance.
By engaging Aboriginal Tasmanians it helps preserve and promote indigenous knowledge and practices.
The pakana Services team, many of whom are from the local Aboriginal community, bring unique perspectives and skills to their work, enriching the initiative with cultural insights that might otherwise be overlooked.
Stories from the pakana Services team members highlight the personal impact of the initiative.
Similarly, Chris emphasises the educational aspect: “I’ve learned so much about marine ecosystems and the impact of debris.
“This knowledge has changed the way I see the world and how I think about waste. It’s empowering to know that our work is making a real difference.”
The vision is clear: a future where Tasmania’s coastlines are free from debris and where sustainable practices are the norm in marine farming and beyond.
Despite the successes, the partnership faces ongoing challenges. The marine environment is continually threatened by various sources of pollution, and new types of debris can present unexpected difficulties.
Warren said: “Working with pakana Services I feel like I’m contributing to something bigger, something important. It’s not just about picking up trash; it’s about protecting our land and waters for future generations.”
However, the collaborative spirit and adaptive strategies of Tassal and pakana Services ensure they are well-equipped to tackle these challenges headon.
Looking to the future, both organisations are committed to expanding the program and further reducing marine debris. They aim to enhance their preventive measures, increase community involvement, and continue their educational efforts.
The partnership between Tassal and pakana Services is a powerful example of how businesses and community organisations can come together to create meaningful change.
It highlights the importance of environmental stewardship and the vital role of Aboriginal communities in preserving and protecting natural resources.
As the partnership continues to grow and evolve, it serves as a model for others to follow, demonstrating that sustainable practices and community collaboration can lead to a cleaner, healthier future for all.
In an era where environmental challenges often seem insurmountable, the story of Tassal and pakana Services offers a glimmer of hope.
It reminds us that with dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to doing the right thing, we can make a tangible difference in the world around us. Through their efforts, Tassal and pakana Services are not only cleaning up the environment but also building a legacy of sustainability and respect for the natural world.
“This knowledge has changed the way I see the world and how I think about waste.
“It’s empowering to know that our work is making a real difference.”
Chris - pakana Services
Petuna hosts NZ Government visit
Petuna recently hosted a visit from New Zealand’s Director of Aquaculture, Bridget Giesen, and Deputy Director-General of Fisheries, Dan Bolger.
The pair spent their first day touring Storm Bay, accompanied by Tasmanian Government officials, to learn about Petuna’s plans in the region and how our industry is meeting the challenges of farming in high-energy offshore sites.
They then travelled to the north of the state to tour Petuna’s Cressy hatchery, where they learned about the company’s state-of-the-art RAS, as well as its ground-breaking breeding program to produce more thermal-tolerant fish as part of its climate change adaptation strategy.
Following a frosty morning in Cressy, they visited Petuna’s marine farm in Rowella (Tamar), which has recently undergone a major expansion project to improve fish health and wellbeing as well as environmental sustainability.
Ms Giesen said “New Zealand had a growing aquaculture industry and the visit had provided a good opportunity to talk with regulators, officials, and stakeholders within Tasmania’s industry to learn about its operations and share insights.
“Some of the key takeaways from the trip were hearing from Tasmania’s officials about their regulatory regime and how it has evolved over time as well
as meeting with farmers and gaining further understanding about the scale of their aquaculture industry and the investment in both ocean and land farming,” she said.
“It was lovely to meet the people behind Petuna’s operations and to understand their growth opportunity and plans in a high energy environment as well as learning about the challenges they’ve faced and what they’re doing to help grow the sector.”
Petuna Managing Director Rocky Boschman said it was wonderful to share the company’s experience and knowledge with Bridget and Dan, and they looked forward to an ongoing positive relationship with their NZ counterparts.
Petuna Managing Director Rocky Boschman, along with Salmon Tasmania CEO Luke Martin, hosting a visit from New Zealand’s Director of Aquaculture, Bridget Giesen, and Deputy Director-General of Fisheries, Dan Bolger along with Tasmanian government officials.
Petuna attends Aquasur 2024 in Chile
With a strong commitment to using world’s best practice techniques, Petuna recently sent two of its senior team members on an overseas mission to see the latest industry innovations in Chile.
Rowella Site Manager Cimarron Jackson and Strahan Farm Manager Neil Gillies travelled to a number of aquaculture facilities in Chile as well as participating in Aquasur 2024 – an exhibition featuring the latest in technology being applied in the industry.
Among the sites the pair visited was the largest recirculation fish farm in Chile at Camanchaca, which was the first salmon producer in the world to be awarded four-star Best Aquaculture Practices cer -
tification by the Global Aquaculture Alliance.
They also toured hatcheries at Los Tambores and Rupanquito, onshore farms at Tac Sur and Abuyan, and a processing plant at Chonchi that employs 800 people and processes up to 100 tonnes of salmon every day.
In addition, they visited SalmoClinic – a company that developed mobile treatment of fish for conditions such as parasites and amoebic gill disease through different well-boat technology to that used in the Tasmanian industry.
The brainchild of Hans Kossman, a fish physiologist with more than 30 years’ industry experience, the company aims to be world leading in aquaculture healthcare management, including combating salmon diseases.
The technology used by its treatment vessel features two helical treatment tanks capable of treating up to 150 tonnes an hour. The fish swim through the tank containing freshwater to detach the amoeba from the gills, and the amoeba is then killed by ultra-violet treatment.
The trip culminated in Aquasur 2024, which this year saw a record attendance of more than 22,000 people in Puerto Montt. Regarded as the largest aquaculture event in the Southern Hemisphere, the event featured 480 exhibitors with more than 20 countries participating.
Aquasur also featured an international congress with 11 panels and more than 50 speakers from all over the world focusing on the concept of the blue transformation and how aquaculture was key to sustainable food production in the future.
A Vision
Petuna’s collaboration creates a stunning vision for Strahan health care.
For strahan
In the heart of Strahan on Tasmania’s stunning west coast, something groundbreaking is happening at Strahan Primary School.
Thanks to Petuna’s support of the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP), the Children’s Vision Screening Program is making its debut, marking a significant milestone for the community.
The initiative couldn’t come at a better time. For too long, students in Strahan have faced barriers when it comes to accessing essential eye testing. Many families grappled with the daunting prospect of traveling long distances for screenings, often resulting in missed school days and prolonged waits for appointments. But now, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Petuna and LEHP, these challenges are set to become a thing of the past.
The program’s aim is simple yet profound: to identify undetected vision problems in children.
With statistics revealing that one in five children may have such issues, the importance of early detection cannot be overstated. Left unchecked,
these problems can significantly impact a child’s growth and development, potentially hindering their academic progress and overall wellbeing.
What sets the LEHP Children’s Vision Screening Program apart is its comprehensive approach.
It offers a level of thoroughness unmatched by any other program in Australia, making it a beacon of hope for communities like Strahan.
For Principal Kathryn Leo and her team at Strahan Primary School, the arrival of the program represents a turning point.
Ms Leo said “the school felt incredibly positive about the program. “Vision problems can have a profound effect on students’ learning, so having access to school-wide testing is invaluable. It’s an opportunity to address these issues early on and remove barriers to learning for our children,” she said.
Indeed, the sentiment is echoed throughout the community. Petuna’s commitment to
supporting families in Strahan has been unwavering, from providing flu shots during the pandemic to now sponsoring vital programs like the Children’s Vision Screening. Their dedication has not gone unnoticed, with residents expressing gratitude for the tangible impact these initiatives have had on their lives.
For families in Strahan, the program’s arrival is a game-changer.
No longer will they have to navigate the complexities of arranging off-site appointments or endure lengthy waitlists. Instead, they can rest assured knowing that their children’s vision needs will be met right at their doorstep, thanks to the generosity of Petuna and the dedication of LEHP.
The Children’s Vision Screening Program represents more than just a medical service—it’s a lifeline for the community, a symbol of hope for a brighter future. And for the students of Strahan, it’s an opportunity to see the world with newfound clarity, paving the way for a future filled with endless possibilities.
Petuna receiving the plaque from the Lions Club for its support of the Lions Eye Health Program.
Parkinson’s Research
sponsorship to help with early diagnosis
Tasmanian researchers are developing a test to help predict Parkinson’s disease through an uncommon sleep disorder.
Parkinson’s disease is the fastest growing degenerative brain disorder in the world, and a low-cost screening test developed in Tasmania could detect the disease decades earlier.
People with isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder physically act out their dreams and this sleep disorder is associated with a high risk of developing one of the neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s or dementia.
A study led by Senior Sleep Scientist, Samantha Bramich, and Neurologist, Associate Professor Jane Alty, from the Wicking Dementia Research
and Education Centre at the University of Tasmania, is investigating how movements and memory functions differ in people with this sleep disorder, compared to people without the condition.
This is the first step in developing a simple online test to detect Parkinson’s earlier, so people can enrol in clinical trials of risk modification to try to stop the progression of the disease.
“Our journey into understanding Parkinson’s disease at its earliest stages is groundbreaking. The prospect of developing a simple, cost-effective online test to detect Isolated REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder,
Stephanie Furler - CEO Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation, Hannah Gray - Huon General Manager Stakeholder & Government Relations Huon, Senior Sleep Scientist, Samantha Bramich
a precursor to Parkinson’s, represents a transformative leap in neurodegenerative disease research. This test isn’t just a tool; it’s a beacon of hope for early intervention, potentially altering the lives of millions by offering a chance to address the disease decades before traditional symptoms manifest.” Dr Bramich said.
The latest stage of Ms Bramich’s research has been made possible through a new partnership between the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation (RHHRF) and Huon Aquaculture, and will be recruiting participants in the next few months.
Stephanie Furler, CEO of the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation said: “The
generous support from Huon Aquaculture and the support of the Royal Hobart Hospital Research Foundation is not just a financial boost but also a profound validation of our research’s potential impact. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to pioneering healthcare solutions and underscores the crucial role of community and industry support in advancing scientific breakthroughs.”
Huon GM of Stakeholder and Government Relations, Hannah Gray, said Huon had long-supported community projects and previous research had found omega-3 fatty acids, that are abundant in salmon, contributed to brain development and function.
“This partnership is a great opportunity to highlight the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and diet in improving overall brain health,” she said.
Mac Harbour Oxygenation
Talk Enlightens and Engages Community
The Strahan Golf Club was the venue for an enlightening evening on Wednesday 8 May 2024, as community members gathered for the Macquarie Harbour Oxygenation Project (MHOP) talk.
Organised by the Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management (CCNRM), the event aimed to inform the local community about ongoing efforts to improve the health of Macquarie Harbour through enhanced oxygenation techniques.
Seventeen community members attended the session, along with three expert guest speakers:
• Associate Professor Jeff Ross, Project Lead, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS).
• David Maynard, Extension Officer, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).
• Matt Barranger, Technical Director, Salmon Tasmania.
They were supported by CCNRM staff members Jason Cullen and Harriet Brinkhoff, who are managing a new Healthy Harbour Project, funded by the Australian Government.
The event offered a platform for dialogue and education on this critical environmental initiative.
The engagement was robust, with attendees actively participating and providing valuable feedback. Eleven evaluation forms were submitted, revealing diverse prior knowledge levels about
MHOP among the participants. Importantly, all respondents reported an improvement in their understanding of the project from attending the event.
Several attendees expressed interest in ongoing communication and have been added to the Healthy Harbour email list for future updates. The evaluation forms provided insightful suggestions for future events, enabling the team to continue to meet the community’s needs and expectations.
Participants showed a keen interest in more detailed statistics on the future effects of the MHOP, indicating a desire for a data-driven understanding of the project’s impact.
The positive feedback underscores the success of the MHOP talk in fostering a well-informed and engaged community, with a strong interest in the health of Macquarie Harbour.
As the Healthy Harbour Project progresses, continued engagement and education will be crucial. The community’s enthusiasm and constructive suggestions promise a collaborative and informed approach to preserving the natural beauty and ecological health of the Harbour.
The Macquarie Harbour Oxygenation Project is a joint initiative between the Australian Government’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) and the Tasmanian salmon aquaculture industry.
For more information on the project click or scan the QR codes:
Long-serving Luke celebrates double milestone
Long-standing Petuna Sealord employee, National Account Manager Luke Freeman, recently celebrated a double milestone, marking his 20 years with the company and his 40 years on the planet.
In terms of building a career in salmon, whether it be serving it up, helping grow and process it, right through to selling it, there is arguably no better example in the industry than Luke.
He began working with Petuna in 2004, taking local wholesale orders and making deliveries to restaurants across Launceston
and the North West of the state.
Having qualified and worked as a chef after high school on the glamourous island resorts of Queensland before returning to Tasmania, Luke certainly knew his way around commercial kitchens as well as salmon as a staple restaurant dish. This made him well-seasoned to talk salmon with other chefs, prepping and plating it for their customers.
Luke has since worked in multiple roles for Petuna Sealord, spanning many different aspects of the
company. These have included local sales and delivery driving, quality assurance coordinator, harvest/demand planner, sales coordinator, supply chain, business development manager and now National Account Manager.
“One of the most enjoyable aspects, regardless of which role I’ve been in, is the sheer diversity of the business as well as the great colleagues, mentors and customers across the industry,” Luke said.
“From working with people on the farms, processing or sales, all the teams bring their own dynamic and personalities.
“Whether it is celebrating success, meeting challenges or embracing change –no day, week, month or year is the same, which continuously provides an exciting and challenging working environment.”
Luke said importantly, the industry had allowed him to raise a family and enjoy a lifestyle in his beloved Tasmania.
“This is the best state in Australia, hands down. Being able to live here and have a career which has also allowed me to travel the country and beyond to promote our industry has been a great opportunity.”
Luke said two of his international highlights were attending the Boston Seafood Show and the Fulton Seafood Market in New York.
National Account Manager Luke Freeman recently celebrated 20 years with Petuna
Swimmers powered by huon salmon
While many of us hunted for chocolate eggs over Easter, more than 100 swimmers from the Kingston Beach Surf Life Saving Club were in the water.
The club hosted a 2.6km ocean swim on Easter Sunday as part of the Tasmanian Ocean Swim Series, with some swimmers travelling from interstate to take part.
Huon keep them all fed, with hot salmon burgers post swim. We hear some Huon staff took part in the swim too - well done!
adopting circular economy practices
The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), on behalf of the Australian Government, is helping Australia’s fishing and aquaculture sectors to adopt circular economy practices, and unsurprisingly the Atlantic Salmon industry is ahead of the game.
One of the FRDC initiatives is a series of workshops that help participants understand how they can replace linear economy with circular economy practices (i.e. stop waste going to landfill; reuse or recycle materials; and turn waste into profit).
The first workshop was recently held in Merimbula, NSW and three broad areas of opportunity emerged – plastics, organics and energy. Tassal sent along two representatives who were able to share their experiences with the diverse group and it was clear that the salmon industry is well advanced in the circular economy space.
Another participant was a representative from the NSWbased composting company
Ocean 2 Earth (O2E). O2E specialises in converting seafood organics into high quality, high value compost. The enterprise is looking to scale up from selling into the domestic garden trade, to producing volumes that can be used in broadacre agriculture and displace synthetic fertilisers. It would come as no surprise that O2E is looking to salmon aquaculture as a potential collaborator in its circular economy activities.
FRDC’s Tasmanian Extension Officer, David Maynard, put
out the welcome mat for O2E, setting up meetings with 25 representatives from the salmon industry, Seafood Industry Tasmania, EPA and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
“FRDC has an important role to play in driving innovation and adoption, and in this case it was important that not only industry had the chance to hear from O2E, but also managers and regulators.
“Circular economy is a fast growing area, and it is important that rules and regulations keep pace with the needs of the private sector,” David said.
Following on from the presentations Salmon Tasmania and O2E have agreed to investigate how they can collaborate on several opportunities - the first being to trial processing freshwater organics, a byproduct of landbased hatcheries.
From left to right - Matt Barrenger (Salmon Tasmania), Sean Riley (Tassal), Kyran Crane (O2E), Depha Miedecke (Petuna), Jane McGann (Seafood Industry Tasmania), David Martin (O2E)
Ocean 2 Earth founders, Kyran and Tim Crane
Loud and clear: Donation to SES volunteers enhances communication during emergencies
The Bruny Island State Emergency Service Unit’s operations have been bolstered by a donation of 22 new UHF radio holsters from Huon Aquaculture.
The new UHF radio holsters will enable SES volunteers to securely carry their communication devices during emergency response operations, facilitating clear and rapid communication among team members.
The donation will also enhance the unit’s operational efficiency and effectiveness in serving the local community during times of need.
The Bruny Island SES Unit consists of around 20 volunteers who train in general rescue and storm and flood damage, but their main focus is road crash rescue.
The donation was officially presented during a special event hosted by Huon at the Bruny Island SES headquarters. Huon treated the volunteers to a salmon BBQ, providing an opportunity for the unit to come together and meet the Huon community engagement team.
“We would like to extend our unit’s big thank you to Huon for not only the excellent radio pouches, but the delicious salmon BBQ,” Bruny Island
SES Deputy Unit Manager Bob Jager said. “It was a great social gathering enjoyed by all.”
Huon’s commitment to regional support and community engagement shines through its meaningful contributions, aimed at fostering positive impacts in localities where they operate.
“At Huon, we recognise the essential role played by the Bruny Island SES in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our community,” Huon’s Community Engagement Coordinator Sammy Kluga said. “We are honoured to support their fantastic volunteer efforts by providing the tools they need to carry out their critical work effectively.”
The Huon team treating volunteers to a salmon BBQ at the Bruny Island SES headquarters
Huon was thrilled to once again be involved with Dover SeaFest, coming together with our community to celebrate all things great about the Far South.
The Huon stall was a huge success, filled with knot tying and splicing demonstrations, a visual display showcasing our fortress pens, and engaging coloring activities for the kids. The Shari Sushi Van also used its culinary expertise to showcase Huon’s premium product.
A big thank you goes out to everyone who contributed to the success of the event, particularly Calvin Walker, Leigh Savage, Jason Kluga, and Simon Coad, who generously volunteered their time and expertise on their days off to make our participation possible.
Special recognition is also due to Anita Harrison and Ali Stebbing, whose tireless efforts as part of the Dover and Far South Action Group have been instrumental in making Dover SeaFest a resounding success year after year.
Dover Seafest
Click or scan to Watch the video
Knot tying and splicing demonstrations were just some of the activities on offer at Seafest.
Tassal support A Day at the Park
The team at Tassal was thrilled to be naming rights sponsors of A Day at the Park in Kingston recently.
“We were so excited to be involved with this fantastic community event that was a huge success,” Tassal ESG and Communities Manager Gemma Gwilliams said.
Tassal diver Chase Fouhy has been part of the team at Tassal for more than a decade after
leaving New Zealand to pursue a career in diving in Tasmania.
When he isn’t diving for Tassal, he loves spending time with his daughters Pyper and Brooklyn, so events like A Day at the Park are high on the agenda for his family.
“Tassal’s A Day at the Park featured dance and music performances focused on celebrating Australia’s multicultural diversity, train rides, facepainting
and circus performances,” A Day at the Park President Else Phillips said.
“We were so pleased to partner with an iconic Tasmanian brand, Tassal, as our naming rights sponsor, and loved the interesting new activities Tassal added to our event, such as diving displays, kids fishing, The Salmon Truck and information on careers in aquaculture.”
Tassal Diver Chase Fouhy with daughter Pyper at the Kingston Park
Educating Future Generations
Tassal actively engages with local schools and universities by offering site tours, educational sessions and school visits.
Just this year the team at Tassal has already had various schools and local colleges come and check out its facilities and learn about what it does.
As part of the tour, the students are often taken through hatcheries, venture out on the water and finish up with a tour of the feed centre in Hobart.
The Tassal aquaculture tours give students an authentic insight into the industry through
on-site educational experiences across various segments of the business, including hatcheries, marine operations, processing facilities and world-class feed centre.
Tassal Fish Performance and Remote Operations Manager, Luke Cordwell, said it was important that the next generation was well-informed about the diverse career opportunities within the aquaculture industry.
“Many of the students who I take through the centre
are studying Environmental Systems and Societies and have been covering topics around aquaculture and its importance in providing sustainable food for the future,” he said.
“We are committed to inspiring students and igniting their interest in the diverse range of professions we offer, hoping to pave the way for future innovators and leaders in our field.”
Do you know of a school interested in a tour?
Email: community@tassal.com.au for more information.
Hobart College and the Friends School have already toured the Tassal facilities during 2024
Tassal wins at Sustainable Seafood Week 2024
Tassal continues its focus on sustainability and innovation.
Tassal has been awarded the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) Above and Beyond, and the Young Person in Aquaculture awards during Sustainable Seafood Week this year. This is the third year Tassal has come away with awards recognising its significant contribution towards responsible aquaculture and sustainability.
The Above and Beyond award recognises Tassal’s responsible business, marketing and innovation projects, launched in the last 12 months, and further demonstrates Tassal’s commitment to positive and sustainable environmental impacts. Tassal’s transition to moisture locking trays that allowed the removal of soaker pads and the 100% recyclable fibreboard cartons, in
collaboration with Visy, are just some of the steps Tassal is taking to become more sustainable.
Matt Vince, Chief Commercial and Risk Officer at Tassal said
“the team, was thrilled to be recognised for its sustainability efforts.
Reducing our waste impact is a key priority for our business and we know from our consumer research that innovative and recyclable packaging is a key component for their top sustainability priorities, he said.”
“We’ve removed more than 15 and a half million soaker pads using sealed air hydrolock technology that was existing in other proteins and implemented that in seafood.”
“In addition, our congratulations go to Blake Newell who won the ASC Young Person in Aquaculture award for his work as Team Leader at our Channel site in Tasmania. Beyond Blake’s responsibilities as an Operations Team Leader, he actively supports the management team by proposing strategies to reduce fuel consumption and monitoring. He continues to impress. Well done Blake,” Vince said.
In response to winning Blake said he felt chuffed to receive such an award, and thanked Tassal for being an incredible support in his career journey.
“I love being able to share my insights with the next generation of young workers through connecting and supporting Tassal’s school farm tours.”
Tassal Senior Manager Innovation and Development Leanne Misener and Operations Team Leader Channel Blake Newell
Tassal welcomes WA Government support for farm
Tassal recently welcomed $5 million support from the West Australian Government’s Investment Attraction Fund.
Tassal acquired MPA Fish Farms Pty Ltd and MPA Marketing Pty Ltd (“MPA”) last year and has spent the subsequent months consolidating operations and planning for future growth.
Managing Director and CEO Mark Ryan said this was an exciting time for Tassal and the Kimberley region.
“We’re so grateful to the Cook Government, in particular Minister Punch, for their support
across the past six months or so,” Mr Ryan said.
“This funding will help Tassal to enhance the farm at Yaloon/ Cone Bay and to expedite our plans to grow sustainably into the Buccaneer Archipelago.”
“That means more jobs and more economic activity in the Kimberley.”
The funds will contribute towards Tassal’s upgrades at its fish farm, including new pens and nets, smart farming technology, a feed barge and upgrades to marine vessels.
Tassal is finalising plans for a revised expansion to the West Australian Government, and looks forward to sharing it with the community.
“We have spent the last few months engaging with local stakeholders, in particular Mayala, Yawuru and other Traditional Owners. This has been so valuable and we thank everyone for their warm welcome to the Kimberley, their insights and good faith.
“We expect to be able to share more details about our plans to grow aquaculture jobs in northern WA very soon.”
Sustaining riders with Huon salmon
The Southern Zone of Pony Club Tasmania recently had the honour of hosting the Pony Club Tasmania State Dressage and Showjumping Championships for 2024.
The event, held at the Tasmanian Equestrian Centre at Lauderdale, attracted up to 150 riders, with families, support people, coaches, judges and officials travelling from across the state.
Each competitor was given a rider bag on arrival stocked with promotional items showcasing Southern Tasmania, packed by the Huon Pony Club.
Huon was proud to provide each rider with a 150g pack of premium hot smoked salmon to fuel them for a big weekend of competing.
The competition was fierce but a great weekend of riding for Tasmanian competitors.
Tasmanian Chamber of commerce and industry visit
Huon recently hosted the TCCI Board and Executive Level Members on a tour of Huon’s industry-leading off-shore marine farms in Storm Bay.
This was followed by a tour of their state-of-the-art Control Room and a short presentation from CEO Henry Batista.
The event finished with drinks, nibbles and networking.
It was a great opportunity to inform some of Huon’s key business stakeholders about its unique marine operations and how the company is leading the way with investments in landbased infrastructure, to grow its fish longer on land, spending less time in the ocean.
our people
Tracey Martin
Brand Ambassador Petuna/Sealord - 11 years
Role and what I like most about it:
I am “Brand Ambassador – Tasmania” for Petuna, based in Devonport.
I have worked for Petuna for 11 years originally working directly with Peter and Una Rockliff and now for Sealord.
A significant part of my role is to market and promote Petuna Atlantic Salmon and Ocean Trout to wholesalers and end users in Tassie.
I absolutely love getting out in the field, meeting and networking with everyone in the industry.
Part of my role is liaising with chefs and doing cooking demonstrations and food styling. I love our product and am super proud of it.
Career history:
Before joining the Petuna team I was a chef for 25 years in Tasmania and Victoria, working for the Federal Group and mainly up market pub food which I am still passionate about. I also worked for Hill Street doing value added lines and their seafood ordering for all their stores.
Hobbies:
Cooking, reading, travelling and spending time with my family.
Favourite band:
Pink and Ed Sheeran.
Favourite movie: Pretty Woman.
Role and what I like most about it:
I monitor the feed intake, fish behaviour and the environmental conditions through a screen (I mean multiple screens). It still blows my mind!
We also analyse fish growth and performance, which provides valuable insights into the impact of our work, not only to the business itself, but for the environment we farm in and that inspires me to do better.
I like to take on responsibilities, and make sure the fish are wellfed is definitely a big one! I enjoy working in this industry and strive to share my passion with others daily.
Career history:
I am a graduate Fishing Engineer from Brazil with almost 8 years experience in the aquaculture industry, working with various species such as Tilapia, Kingfish, Barramundi,
Larissa Control Room
Huon/JBS
Cacau
Operator
4 years and Salmon in different countries including Brazil, USA, Denmark, and Australia.
In 2021, I was thrilled to join Huon Aquaculture as Hatchery Technician at the Springfield Hatchery. I worked as part of a great team of inspired professionals.
Seeking to further my knowledge of the salmon industry, I made the decision to relocate to Hobart, moving into the Control Room. I am still part of a great team and getting to expand and build on my knowledge and skills on a daily basis.
Hobbies:
Body boarding and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Favourite band: Natiruts (Brazilian reggae band).
Favourite movie: Eat, Pray, Love (love a romance movie).
Sally Miller
Planning Coordinator - Fresh Logistics Tassal/Cooke - 17 years
Role and what I like most about it:
My main role is planning how much salmon, prawns and barramundi need to be harvested to cover supply demand.
There are many elements involved to ensure it is done safely and fits with all capacities.
One of the things I love the most about working at Tassal is the people.
I enjoy going to work every day. In my role I get to talk to many people in a range of departments across the business.
I love the challenge of working with a live product and exposure to the environment, which means regularly adapting to changes and finding solutions.
Career history:
With a Bachelor of Science in Marine and Freshwater Science, Sally worked on an abalone farm before backpacking around the world and settling in Tassie and starting her Tassal journey. She said over the years she has seen impressive changes in improved infrastructure and environmental science, engineering and technology that is constantly evolving which she said had been amazing to witness.
Hobbies:
Sport, camping, travelling and walks with friends.
Favourite band:
Don’t really have a favourite band. I listen to the radio top 40 when driving…..if my kids have not taken over and are playing their songs on repeat.
our Recipes Brown sugar & mustard Salmon
METHOD:
Tidy the salmon by trimming the belly and the thin tail end, set aside the trimmings for another use. You’re aiming to have the fillet roughly the same thickness, so it cooks evenly.
Set the salmon on a baking tray and season with salt, then set aside to come to room temperature.
Meanwhile in a small bowl, mix the mustards, minced ginger, and horseradish cream.
In a second small bowl mix together the brown sugar and paprika.
Preheat oven to 180C.
Pat the salmon dry and spread the mustard mix evenly over the top of the salmon.
Then sprinkle the smoked brown sugar mix over the top.
Leave for about 5 minutes then bake salmon for 15 - 17 mins.
Leave to rest for 10 minutes before serving with buttery garlic greens. Prep time 15 mins
INGREDIENTS:
1 whole salmon fillet
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp wholegrain mustard
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tsp horseradish cream
2 tbsp dark brown sugar
1 tsp smoked paprika
BUTTERY GARLIC GREENS
500g green beans, trimmed
50g butter, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, crushed
Salmon Winter Pie
METHOD
Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
Over a gentle heat, melt the butter in a medium saucepan, add the flour and stir until smooth. Using a whisk, add the milk stirring continuously until thoroughly mixed and there are no lumps. Increase heat to medium and cook the mixture for 3 minutes, while keeping stirring. Add the salmon, dill, capers, and spring onions. Remove from heat, season to taste and set aside to cool.
Remove the puff pastry from the package and allow to soften. Place one piece of the pastry into a lightly greased 25cm pie dish. Gently pour the milk and salmon mixture onto the pastry. Cover the pie with the second piece of puff pastry dough. Fold the edges over to seal and crimp the edges. Brush the top of the pastry with beaten egg then bake for 30 minutes until the pastry is golden.
INGREDIENTS:
500g Skinless salmon portions, cut into 3 cm pieces
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp flour
1 Cup milk
3 Tbsp chopped dill
2 Tbsp capers
4 Spring onions, finely chopped
2 Sheets puff pastry
1 Egg, beaten