Tasmanian salmon farms used more than 150,000 underwater explosives to deter seals since 2016, data reveals

Why This Matters

• The use of underwater explosives raises animal welfare and ecological concerns, particularly as seals are a protected species in Australian waters.
• Widespread deployment suggests a persistent conflict between commercial aquaculture and native marine wildlife, prompting questions about sustainable coexistence.
• The data release may fuel further scrutiny of industry practices and calls for alternative, non-lethal deterrents.

Background

Tasmania is a major centre for Atlantic salmon farming, producing a significant portion of Australia's farmed salmon. Seals often approach fish pens to feed, leading operators to use various deterrent methods, including noise devices, nets, and explosives. Environmental groups have long criticised the industry’s impact on marine life, while salmon companies argue that such measures are necessary to protect stock and livelihoods. The latest government data provides a rare public accounting of the scale of explosive deterrents.

Key Perspectives

• Salmon industry: Companies view seal deterrents as essential to prevent predation, which can cause significant economic losses. They contend that the devices are designed to scare rather than harm seals.
• Conservation groups: Organisations such as the Australian Marine Conservation Society are likely to see the figures as evidence of excessive and potentially harmful intervention, and may call for stricter regulation or phase-outs of explosive devices.
• Regulators (NRE Tas): The department collects and publishes industry data, suggesting a monitoring role. The release itself does not indicate any immediate policy response, but the figures may inform future management decisions.

What to Watch

• Any statements from the Tasmanian government on whether the current level of explosive use is acceptable or warrants new guidelines.
• Potential public or political reaction to the scale of the figures, which could spur parliamentary inquiry or media investigations.
• Developments in alternative technologies – such as acoustic deterrents or improved netting – that might reduce reliance on explosives.