Since the late 1990s, a large body of research undertaken by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) has informed the environmental management, planning and monitoring associated of marine farming operations.
The Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) is a key investment partner with the Tasmanian Government and industry providing local aquaculture and salmonid research programs.
The Department of Natural Resources Environment Tasmania also works collaboratively with several other research organisations and Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) programs, such as the Blue Economy CRC and the Marine Bioproducts CRC. Research collaborations also help inform contemporary marine policy and statutory planning processes.
The 2017 Planning for a Blue Future Global Salmon Conference was convened in Tasmania. It brought together industry and leading researchers under the three themes of Future Farming, Biosecurity, and Environment and remains a key benchmark for salmonid research. Further information and the summary report are available from the IMAS Salmon Interactions Team website.
Sustainable Marine Research Collaboration Agreement (SMRCA)
Through the SMRCA, the Tasmanian Government jointly funds with the University of Tasmania’s IMAS research that aims to:
Undertake leading, world-class research into temperate and coastal marine environments
Support the effective and sustainable management of Tasmania's marine resources for the benefit of Tasmania
Support the Government's legislative and administrative obligations (under the Marine Farming Planning Act 1995 and Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995) through the provision of research, data and advice
Information on the IMAS salmon research program is available from the IMAS Salmon Interactions Team website.
Additional IMAS Fisheries and Aquaculture research and reports are available from the IMAS Publications & Resources website.
The Tasmanian Government is a key partner in the development of a Storm Bay observation system, biogeochemical model and decision support tool to support industry growth. A Marine Atlas database is also being developed for Tasmania.
Further information is available from the FRDC Storm Bay Research Program website.
Blue Economy Cooperative Research Centre (CRC)
The Blue Economy CRC brings the aquaculture, marine renewable energy and offshore marine engineering sectors together to address the challenges of offshore food and energy production and deliver innovative solutions.
Current projects for example, pave the way for new offshore aquaculture, and develop the supporting environmental guidelines, policies and frameworks to provide confidence that offshore developments operate to the highest environmental standards.
Further information is available from the Blue Economy CRC website.
Seaweed Solutions CRC Project (CRC-P)
The Seaweed Solutions CRC-P aims to develop a sustainable Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) model that supports commercial seaweed production.
Further information is available from the Seaweed Solutions CRC-P website.
Marine Bioproducts CRC
The Marine Bioproducts CRC is in the process of being established. Its focus is on the production of new sources of marine biomass, such as seaweeds, marine micro-algae and filter feeding animals, and the use of advanced manufacturing technologies and processes to produce a range of novel bioproducts.
Further information is available from the Marine Bioproducts CRC website.
Fish Health and Biosecurity
Through the Tasmanian Salmonid Health Surveillance Program, the Department, with support from the Tasmanian Salmonid Growers’ Association (TSGA) and the FRDC, operates the Centre for Aquatic Animal Health and Vaccines (CAAHV), an aquatic animal health diagnostics and disease research facility. Five vaccines are now in commercial use, with more in development, that are tailored for the diseases that affect Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout production in Tasmania.