Advanced methods for genetic improvement of Tasmanian Atlantic salmon
Campus Plus is excited to announce the commencement of another Australian Government Department of Education National Industry PhD Program Award.
The University of Tasmania’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) and Huon Aquaculture Company Pty Ltd. are collaborating on a project to advance the genetic improvement of Tasmanian Atlantic salmon.
Climate change presents significant challenges for the Tasmanian Atlantic salmon industry, Australia’s most valuable seafood sector. This project aims to enhance the resilience and performance of salmon stocks through advanced breeding techniques — strengthening long-term viability, sustainability, and industry competitiveness.
The National Industry PhD Program brings together Huon’s operational expertise in selective breeding, fish husbandry, and large-scale performance data with UTAS’s internationally recognised research capability.
David Mitchell General Manager at Huon Aquaculture and Industry Supervisor, is excited to commence the project, commenting:
“The National Industry PhD Program helps bridge Huon’s operational expertise in running its selective breeding program, fish husbandry operations, and commitment to research with the research capability and experience of UTAS. Huon collects a huge amount of fish health and performance data as part of day-to-day operations, and being able to turn this into actionable insights for the breeding program is extremely valuable.”
Academic Supervisor and Research Fellow Dr Gianluca Amoroso is also keen to commence the project, stating:
“The project represents a unique opportunity for us to contribute through our expertise to future-proof the Tasmanian Atlantic salmon industry — the most valuable seafood sector in Australia — helping enhance its long-term viability as a critical protein producer despite a changing climate, and further increasing our reputation in the salmonid research space. Through this project, the PhD student will have the opportunity to enhance his skills and knowledge, as well as his research translation competence. This will allow him to continue a successful and even more impactful professional career in Atlantic salmon selective breeding.”
Lewis Rands, the Industry Researcher PhD candidate, is looking forward to working with UTAS, noting:
“The integration between UTAS and Huon via the National Industry PhD Program means I can work on research that wouldn’t be possible with either organisation alone. It’s a great example of collaboration delivering outcomes that no single party could achieve on their own.”
This project will deliver direct benefits to industry while equipping the PhD candidate with skills in research translation, industry engagement, and cutting-edge breeding science — an investment in both innovation and future talent for the aquaculture sector.