More than 150,000 underwater explosives used to deter seals at Tasmanian salmon farms since 2016
Summary
Since 2016, over 150,000 underwater explosives have been used to keep seals away from salmon farms in Tasmania. The main companies involved are Huon Aquaculture, Tassal, and Petuna, with Huon using the most explosives. Seal deaths at farms have occurred, and the use of explosives dropped after 2021 but has recently started to rise again.Key Facts
- More than 150,000 underwater explosives were used by Tasmanian salmon farms to deter seals since 2016.
- In the first half of 2026, nearly 1,800 explosives were used.
- Four fur seals died in the first half of 2026 due to various causes related to the farms.
- Since 2021, 48 seals have died at these farms.
- Huon Aquaculture, owned by Brazilian company JBS, used about two-thirds of the explosives in early 2026.
- Tassal aims to phase out seal deterrents but still used 551 explosives in early 2026, more than twice previous years.
- Tassal also used 31 bean bag rounds, which are fabric-coated plastic shells with lead shot, the only company to do so.
- Both companies report efforts to reduce wildlife harm, including improving farm infrastructure and using new technologies.
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