Huon Aquaculture executive director Frances Bender. (Photo: Huon Aquaculture)

Huon becomes first RSPCA approved Australian salmon producer

Huon Aquaculture has become the first seafood producer in Australia to join the RSPCA’s approved farming scheme after satisfying the rigorous animal welfare standards set by this organisation.

This means all fish grown in Tasmania’s south are RSPCA approved but salmon farmed in Macquarie Harbour is not currently part of the approved farming scheme.

“As Australia’s first RSPCA approved salmon farmer, we are proud to be leading the way in farming salmon safely, sustainably and with a strong focus on welfare,” pointed out the firm’s executive director Frances Bender.

“It is no secret that we have concerns over the health of Macquarie Harbour, as does the RSPCA,” Bender stressed.

She also highlighted that when environmental conditions improve, the RSPCA will look at independent science and review this decision.

For her part, RSPCA Australia chief executive Heather Neil said the RSPCA approved farming scheme standards and RSPCA approved branding offered consumers assurance that animals had been farmed humanely.

“Salmon is a popular choice for many Australians, and millions of fish are farmed every year to meet this demand,” Neil said.

The executive explained that scientific research has found that fish are capable of suffering, feeling pain, anxiety and fear and that, therefore, like all animals farmed for food, it is necessary to make sure that farming fish is done in a humane way.

Tasmania Premier Will Hodgman congratulated Huon Aquaculture on the approval and said it demonstrated sound practices in the salmon industry.

“It endorses the environmental standards for the industry and that they are well managed by the EPA,” Hodgman said.

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