More than 150,000 underwater explosives used to deter seals at Tasmanian salmon farms since 2016

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Since 2016, Tasmanian salmon farms operated by Huon Aquaculture, Tassal, and Petuna have detonated over 150,000 underwater explosives to deter seals, with nearly 1,800 used in the first half of 2026 alone. Despite efforts to reduce harm, seal deaths continue and Tassal has reversed a previous decline in explosive use, raising concerns about the ongoing environmental impact and industry sustainability.

Since 2016, more than 150,000 underwater explosives have been deployed to deter seals at Tasmanian salmon farms, according to recent data released by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas). The three main salmon producers operating in Tasmanian marine areas—Huon Aquaculture, Tassal, and Petuna—have collectively used these devices as part of efforts to reduce seal interactions with farmed salmon.

In the first half of 2026 alone, nearly 1,800 underwater explosives were detonated near fish farms. Huon Aquaculture, now the largest salmon producer in Tasmania and owned by Brazilian meat company JBS, accounted for 1,126 of these devices, about two-thirds of the total. The majority of Huon’s explosives were used at its Storm Bay leases off Bruny Island, with others deployed in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Huon River.

The use of underwater explosives had declined sharply since April 2021, a reduction that has been linked by some to the publication of the book *Toxic* by Richard Flanagan, which highlighted environmental issues in the salmon industry. Since early 2022, NRE Tas has provided biannual, company-specific data on the use of deterrent devices following freedom of information requests.

Seal deaths at salmon farms continue to cause concern. During the first half of 2026, four fur seals died at leased sites—two at Tassal’s operations and two at Huon Aquaculture farms. Causes of death included entanglement in salmon cages, boat strikes, and efforts to sedate and relocate animals. Since 2021, a total of 48 seals have died near salmon farms in Tasmania.

Tassal, owned by Canadian firm Cooke Aquaculture, reported in its 2025 sustainability report an aim to “phase out” seal deterrents, though it did not set a specific deadline. Tassal used 551 underwater explosives in the first half of 2026, a figure more than double that of the previous two years’ corresponding periods, reversing a trend of declining use. Over half of Tassal’s explosives were deployed at leases on the Tasman Peninsula. The company also exclusively used 31 bean bag rounds—fabric-coated plastic projectiles with lead shot—at its Tasman Peninsula sites during the same timeframe.

Petuna, the smallest of the three marine salmon producers, used 82 explosive devices in Macquarie Harbour and 38 in the Tamar River during the first six months of 2026.

When asked about policies to phase out deterrents or why explosive use remained high at certain locations, Huon Aquaculture did not provide direct answers but stated it is committed to protecting wildlife and is exploring infrastructure upgrades, new deterrent technologies, and consulting specialists to mitigate seal interactions. Tassal did not respond to questions about the increase in explosive use or whether it planned an end date for these measures.

Industry scrutiny remains high following reports of mass fish deaths and environmental issues, including salmon flesh washing up on beaches in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel in 2025. Both companies have undertaken public relations efforts aimed at improving their sustainability image amid ongoing challenges with seal incursions at their marine leases.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.