150,000 explosives in a decade

Since 2016, three Tasmanian salmon companies have deployed 150,488 underwater explosives to deter seals from fish farms in marine areas.

Nearly 1,800 blasts in six months

Government data released last week shows salmon companies directed almost 1,800 underwater explosives at seals in the first half of 2026.

Huon leads the explosives count

Huon Aquaculture, owned by Brazilian meat company JBS, used 1,126 explosives in the first half of 2026, almost two-thirds of the total deployed.

Four seals died in first half 2026

Four fur seals died at Tasmanian salmon farms in the first half of 2026: two at Tassal leases, two at Huon sites. Since 2021, 48 seals have died.

Sharp decline after 2021, now rising

Explosive use dropped sharply after April 2021, possibly following Richard Flanagan's book Toxic. But Tassal's usage is rising again, using 551 devices in first half 2026.

Tassal aims to phase out deterrents

Tassal's 2025 sustainability report said the company aimed to phase out seal deterrents but did not specify a deadline. Tassal is owned by Canadian multinational Cooke Aquaculture.

“phase out”

Huon evaluates wildlife safety measures

Huon said it was evaluating initiatives to improve wildlife safety, including infrastructure upgrades and new deterrent technologies, but did not answer specific questions about explosive use.

“upgrades to existing infrastructure, adoption of new technologies to deter wildlife, and engagement with specialist consultants to assess and reduce interaction risks”