Tasmanians traveled 6,5 thousand kilometers: — The future is defined at Aqua Nor

Huon Aquaculture is based in the far south of Australia, on the Tasmanian island. They have travelled all the way to Aqua Nor to see the latest in aquaculture technology and share ideas with like-minded innovators.

— The exhibition shows everything that’s in the forefront of aquaculture technology. The future is defined at Aqua Nor, says Strategic Projects Manager, Leigh Savage. Watch our talk with Leigh during the opening on Tuesday:

Watch our talk with Leigh during the opening on Tuesday:

Control of their entire value chain

Huon Aquaculture produce 34 000 tons of salmon a year, controlling their entire value chain themselves.

— The only thing we don’t make ourselves is the fish feed. From eggs and hatcheries, to land based nurseries and smolt facilities – on to pens, service vessels, harvesting and processing – while we do it all ourselves we do have some key industry partners we work with.

The company established an exposed aquaculture site as early as 2016, on a location enduring significant wave heights of 6,5 meters and harsh winds and weather coming directly from their «close» neighbour, Antarctica.

Operating both exposed and semi-exposed sites, RAS facilities, hatcheries, service vessels, well boats – as well as large investments planned for the future – their hunger for new technology and innovation is constant.

In the market for useful technology

Savage is now back at Aqua Nor for the fourth time, and says they always find something to bring back home.

— We’re always on the lookout for offshore infrastructure and technology for RAS facilities. Support equipment, incubators, harvest vessels and net cleaning technology are always interesting to us as well. I think we’ve ended up buying a new form of net cleaner on every visit and we’re constantly testing out all kinds of new ROVs, says Savage.

— We actually saw an interesting new net cleaner yesterday that we might order. We’re also working on an interesting partnership while we’re here – it’s the perfect place for such talks – but I can’t currently disclose any details.

Visiting Norway with a purpose

The Huon Aquaculture teams make the most of their visit to Norway, often planning visits to fish farming sites and vendors before and after the exhibition days.

— It’s very interesting to see other answers to the same challenges that we are working on back at home. Before, during and after the exhibition, we see great ideas and solutions to things we’ve solved differently. Moreover, we share our solutions with the people we meet and can see that they light up in interest as well.

— The people in the industry are the same here as back in Australia. We are all passionate about fish performance, fish health and collaboration.