Huon Aquaculture, one of Australia’s largest salmon producers, is accelerating its push toward smarter, more sustainable farming with a new digital infrastructure partnership. The company has teamed up with TasmaNet, a Tasmania-based telecommunications and cloud services provider under Comms Group Limited, to deploy advanced connectivity and edge computing solutions across its marine farms, hatcheries, and processing plants.
The collaboration marks a significant step in Huon’s digital transformation, enabling real-time monitoring of environmental conditions and fish welfare through IoT (Internet of Things) integration. By leveraging high-performance networking, the company aims to refine feeding systems, reduce waste, and enhance operational efficiency—all while minimizing its environmental footprint.
Charles Von Der Hyde, CEO of Huon Aquaculture, emphasized the strategic importance of the upgrade. “With TasmaNet’s advanced networking and IoT integration capabilities, we’re now able to gather real-time environmental and fish welfare data, optimise feeding systems, and ultimately farm smarter and more sustainably,” he said. The move aligns with broader industry trends, where precision aquaculture is increasingly seen as key to meeting growing global demand for seafood without compromising ecological health.
For TasmaNet, the partnership underscores the role of local technology in addressing global challenges. Peter McGrath, CEO of Comms Group Limited and Executive Director of TasmaNet, noted that the project demonstrates how regional innovation can support ethical food production. “We’re proud to help a world-class Tasmanian company like Huon Aqua set new benchmarks in sustainable food production,” he said. “This partnership shows how local technology can help solve global challenges in ethical food production, the environment, and efficiency.”
The digital upgrade comes as Huon Aquaculture continues to expand its operations. In July 2024, the company announced an AUS $110 million investment to build a new Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) at its Whale Point Facility in Port Huon. The project, which will increase the company’s freshwater Atlantic salmon nursery capacity, is expected to create 150 construction jobs and eight permanent positions once operational. Tasmania’s Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, welcomed the expansion, highlighting its economic and employment benefits for the region.
The integration of smart farming technology with physical infrastructure upgrades suggests Huon is positioning itself at the forefront of a more data-driven aquaculture sector. By improving feed efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing animal welfare, the company is not only responding to regulatory and consumer demands but also setting a precedent for how technology can reshape traditional farming practices. For Tasmania, the developments reinforce its reputation as a hub for both premium seafood and agricultural innovation.