Arabic version: مزارع السلمون في تسمانيا استخدمت 150,488 متفجّرة لردع الفقمات

According to The Guardian, Tasmania’s three marine salmon companies have deployed 150,488 underwater explosives to deter seals since the start of 2016. New Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania data showed almost 1,800 devices were used during the first half of 2026.

Huon Aquaculture, Tassal and Petuna operate in Tasmanian marine areas. Huon accounted for 1,126 explosives in the first half of 2026, including 892 at its Storm Bay leases off Bruny Island. The remaining devices were used at sites in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Huon River.

Tassal used 551 explosive devices in the first half of 2026, more than twice the total for the same period in either of the previous two years. More than half were used at Tasman Peninsula leases. Tassal also used 31 bean bag rounds against seals there; it is the only Tasmanian salmon company using those devices.

Petuna used 82 underwater explosives at Macquarie Harbour leases and 38 at Tamar River leases. The use of underwater explosives has fallen sharply since April 2021, while NRE Tas has published biannual company and monthly data since early 2022 following a right-to-information request by the Tasmanian Inquirer.

Four fur seals died at Tasmanian salmon farms in the first half of 2026, with two deaths at Tassal leases and two at Huon sites. Since the start of 2021, 48 seals have died at the farms. Huon said it was evaluating infrastructure upgrades, new wildlife-deterrence technology and specialist advice to reduce interaction risks. Tassal did not respond to questions about its increased explosive use or a possible end date.