Government data shows Tasmanian salmon farms used nearly 1,800 underwater explosives in the first half of this year alone to deter seals, continuing a practice that has seen over 150,000 such devices deployed since 2016. The figures, released by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, highlight the scale of explosive use in marine areas where salmon farming operates. Environmental and animal welfare concerns may arise from the widespread reliance on this method, prompting questions about its long-term ecological impact. The data offers a rare glimpse into the frequency and extent of explosive deterrents in aquaculture operations.
Salmon companies operating in Tasmanian marine areas deployed almost 1,800 explosives in first half of 2026, government figures revealGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastMore than 150,000 underwater explosives have been used to deter seals at Tasmanian salmon farms since 2016, according to new government data.Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE Tas) data released last week revealed salmon companies directed almost 1,800 underwater explosives at seals at fish farms in the first half of 2026. Continue reading...
