Environment & Climate
Tasmanian salmon farms deploy 150,000 underwater explosives against seals since 2016
The Guardian reports that government records show widespread deterrent use by three fish farming firms, despite overall long-term declines.
The short version
- Tasmanian salmon producers deployed over 150,000 underwater explosives to deter seals between 2016 and mid-2026.[The Guardian]
- Companies used nearly 1,800 explosive deterrents in the first half of 2026, alongside bean bag rounds.[The Guardian]
- Four fur seal deaths were recorded at farm sites during the first six months of 2026, bringing the total since 2021 to 48.[The Guardian]
- Tassal has stated an intention to phase out deterrents, though it set no target completion date.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- Tasmanian salmon companies deployed 150,488 underwater explosive deterrents against seals between 2016 and mid-2026.[The Guardian]
- In the first half of 2026, aquaculture firms used nearly 1,800 explosive charges, with Huon Aquaculture accounting for 1,126.[The Guardian]
- Four fur seal mortalities occurred at fish leases in the first half of 2026, contributing to a total of 48 deaths since 2021.[The Guardian]
- Tassal fired 31 bean bag rounds at seals during the first half of 2026, making it the only firm in Tasmania utilizing them.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- It is unconfirmed whether the sharp post-April 2021 decline in explosive deterrent usage was directly triggered by public criticism in Richard Flanagan's book Toxic.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.