Tassal asking Aquacultre Stewardship Council to allow it to continue to use seal crackers

A Tasmanian aquaculture giant has drawn the ire of environmental groups after seeking permission to conduct seal bombing. Why Salmon Tasmania boss is backing the practice.

Aerial view Tassal fish farm pens/ salmon farming pens at Long Bay, Tasman Peninsula. Pics Supplied.

Tassal has put in a request to the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) for permission to conduct seal bombing on its salmon farms.

Also known as seal crackers, the device creates a shockwave in the water and is used by aquaculture companies as a deterrent to keep the animals away from salmon pens.

Tassal’s request has drawn the ire of environmental groups from around the state.

“We call on ASC to reject the request for Tassal to continue its harm to our native protected seals,” Neighbours of Fish Farming Campaigner Jess Coughlan said.

“Consumers should be outraged that Tassal farms have been allowed to get away with the use of seal bombs for the past ten years despite the ASC prohibiting it.

Tasmanian parliament question time, Jo Palmer MLC. Picture: Chris Kidd

“The certificates from the eight ASC Tassal farms should also be revoked so long as the practice of using firearms and explosives in our sensitive waterways continues.”

The Tasmanian Alliance for Marine Protection, the Bob Brown Foundation, and Living Oceans have all condemned Tassal’s request to continue using seal crackers.

Tassal declined to comment but pointed out that deterrent uses such as crackers, bean bags, and scare caps had decreased significantly over the last five years.

Primary Industries Minister Jo Palmer said the devices were used as a last resort to ensure seals did not get too close to salmon pens.

“It is to ensure the safety of Tasmanians who work in our salmon industry,” Ms Palmer said.

“Since 2020, there has been a 60 per cent reduction in the use of seal crackers, and more work is being done to use other management methods.

“This is one of the most regulated industries that we have here in Tasmania.”

Salmon Tasmania CEO Luke Martin also defended the use of seal deterrents.

“Above all else, the salmon industry will never compromise the safety of our workers, our stock and our wildlife,” Mr Martin said.

“Wildlife interactions are a part of life for every farmer, both land and sea, on a daily basis.

“The salmon industry is subjected to a level of scrutiny that is unprecedented in the agriculture sector, yet we operate transparently within the Tasmanian government’s Seal Management Framework.”

Originally published as Tassal asking Aquacultre Stewardship Council to allow it to continue to use seal crackers