Tasmanian Salmon Farms Use Underwater Blasts to Keep Seals Away, Data Shows
In the first half of 2026, salmon farms in Tasmania detonated nearly 1,800 underwater explosives to scare off fur seals, according to government figures. The practice, which has involved over 150,000 such devices since 2016, poses serious risks to protected seal species, with at least 48 seals dying at farms since 2021. Officials note that human activities, not natural predators, pose the greatest threat to these seals.
Nearly 1,800 underwater blasts occurred in the first half of 2026, continuing a program that has used over 150,000 devices since 2016. The deterrents respond to frequent intrusions—Tassal alone logged 1,100 seal entries over three years. Data is published twice yearly by the state environment department, following a 2022 public records request.
Explosives aren't the only hazard. Of four seals killed in early 2026, two were entangled in pens, one was struck by a boat, and one died during sedation. Since 2021, at least 48 seals have died at farms. The state government notes that humans, not sharks or killer whales, pose the greatest threat to these protected species.
The repeated use of lethal deterrents and the documented seal deaths could intensify public and regulatory pressure on Tasmania's salmon farming sector. This may lead to stricter oversight of non-lethal alternatives, such as improved netting or acoustic devices. Conservation groups could use these figures to push for protected-area designations, while the industry may face reputational damage affecting consumer choices. The balance between commercial aquaculture and wildlife protection will likely remain a contentious issue, with potential implications for marine policy and local livelihoods.