Salmon farmer Tassal seeks permit to trial spraying seals with water

Australia’s leading salmon producer has applied for a scientific research permit that would allow it to test a new way to deter seals.

An Australian fur seal. Pictiure: Peter Lorimer

AN application for a permit that would allow Tassal to spray a “low-pressure/high-flow water stream” at fur seals has been lodged with the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.

The salmon producer has applied to test the deterrent method at its marine farming leases in the lower D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Huon River to assess its effectiveness and risk to animal welfare.

A Tassal spokesman said the trial would test how effective the method was at dispersing seals that approach farm staff.

“This may be a potential alternative to current methods,” the spokesman said.

Under the DPIPWE Seal Management Framework, seal deterrent devices can be deployed under permit to deter fur seals from presenting an unacceptable risk to marine farm staff or interfering with marine farming infrastructure.

Currently used devices include explosive charges that detonate under the surface, lead-filled projectiles known as beanbags, and blunt pre-stressed darts fired from a DPIPWE-approved firearm.

A long-nosed fur seal. Picture: Taronga Zoo

Tassal believes this proposed trial will have a low risk to animal welfare.

“The proposed trial will use a low-pressure/high flow water stream as a method for dispersing seals that are engaged in approaching farm staff, vessels and pens, or hauled out on marine farming infrastructure,” the Tassal application read.

But Greens environment spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said testing high-flow water as a deterrent option was “deeply concerning”.

“This is especially the case given current seal practices – and animal welfare issues – are shrouded in deepest secrecy,” Dr Woodruff said.

She said while current deterrents are justified in the name of protecting worker safety, there is “a cone of silence” around animal welfare effects.

“Any new deterrence methods being considered should be done so transparently and should be assessed by animal welfare experts, who put the protection of seals first,” she said.

The justification for the research permit specified a need to find alternative deterrent devices that are effective and that improve or maintain low levels of risk to animal welfare.

The trial will be conducted on 100 Australian fur seals and 100 long-nosed fur seals.

The application is available for public comment until September 18.