Fish Welfare

Like many farmers, summer can be a tough time, but keeping our fish healthy and well cared for is always a top priority at Tassal. In January and February 2025, our teams in the South-East of Tasmania have been working hard to manage increased fish losses. This is primarily due to the lack of availability of a vaccine for a group of our fish in 2024 and has since been addressed.

We are always looking for ways to improve. Using the best technology to support fish survival – last year, we reported survival rates above 91%. Our two wellboats help protect fish health and biosecurity, and our remote operations centre allows us to monitor fish activity in real-time across our pens. From this centre, our team actively monitors fish behaviour, water temperature and oxygen levels to ensure best possible conditions. They also closely manage feeding, making sure each fish gets exactly what they need, while preventing excess feed from going to waste. Our oils out of Triabunna and feed are safe. Check out the videos below!

This focus on innovation means our survival rates are among the best in the world.

What is RLO?

RLO (Rickettsia-like organisms) are naturally occurring bacteria in the local environment. They don’t affect humans, other animals or wild fish, but can impact farmed salmon.

Is harvested fish okay to eat?

Yes! RLO does not impact humans or other animals, and isn’t known to impact wild fish, but can be harmful to salmon. We pride ourselves on supplying healthy, nutritious fish for Australian families.

Where does the waste go?

We have invested heavily in our Triabunna rendering facility, and more than 85% of fish that is not processed for consumption are safely re-purposed for things like pet and livestock feed.

For any waste that we can’t process on-site, we work with Tasmanian waste removal services to ensure it is managed properly and in line with strict environmental regulations.

Antibiotic Use & Transparency

No antibiotics have been used by Tassal in this event. We are committed to being fully transparent – anytime antibiotics are used at our marine farms we notify the EPA and share that information publicly on our dashboard.

Protecting our environment and community

Shorelines

We understand the EPA are looking into issues surrounding shorelines.

Tassal continues to work with industry colleagues to monitor, and where necessary, tidy shorelines near farming areas.

If you see anything that may require our attention, please email community@tassal.com.au.

We regularly monitor water quality around our farms and share data with regulators to ensure a healthy marine environment.

We are proud to be a part of many Tasmanian communities and are committed to keeping our waterways healthy for everyone: our fish, our neighbours and our future.