Tasmanian Salmon Farms Use 150,000 Underwater Explosives on Seals 2026

Tasmanian salmon farms have used more than 150,000 underwater explosives to deter seals since 2016, according to new government data. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE Tas) released figures last week showing that salmon companies directed almost 1,800 underwater explosives at seals in the first half of 2026 alone. Since the start of 2016, the three salmon companies operating in Tasmanian marine areas – Huon Aquaculture, Tassal and Petuna – have deployed 150,488 underwater explosives. This practice has raised concerns among animal welfare advocates and the public.

Underwater Explosives Use Declines After 2021

The use of underwater explosives against seals has declined sharply since April 2021, possibly in response to the publication of Richard Flanagan’s book Toxic. Since early 2022, NRE Tas has released biannual data, with a company-by-company and month-by-month breakdown of the use of devices against seals, after a right-to-information request by the Tasmanian Inquirer.

Huon Aquaculture, owned by the Brazilian meat company JBS, accounted for 1,126 of the explosives used in the first half of 2026, almost two-thirds of the total. Of these, 89 were used in April alone. Tassal and Petuna accounted for the remainder.

Seal Deaths at Salmon Farms

Four fur seals died in the first half of 2026 – two at Tassal leases and two at Huon Aquaculture sites. Two died entangled at salmon cages, one from a boat strike and another in an attempt to sedate and relocate an animal. Since the start of 2021, 48 seals have died at Tasmanian salmon farms.

Key Takeaways

• Over 150,000 underwater explosives have been used to deter seals at Tasmanian salmon farms since 2016.
• Huon Aquaculture accounted for nearly two-thirds of the explosives used in the first half of 2026.
• 48 seals have died at Tasmanian salmon farms since the start of 2021.
• Use of underwater explosives has declined sharply since April 2021.

Comparison of Underwater Explosives Use by Company

The data reveals that Huon Aquaculture is the largest user of underwater explosives, followed by Tassal and Petuna. The decline in use since 2021 may indicate a shift towards alternative deterrence methods, but the practice continues.

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