Huon Aquaculture dominates use of underwater explosives against seals

Newly released government data revealed that Huon Aquaculture used 96.4% of the underwater explosives deployed against seals in the last half of 2024. The underwater explosives, called 'seal crackers' in the industry, produce a loud noise and a flash of light. The salmon industry has used more than 145,000 explosive devices in Tasmanian waters since 2016.

"So many local communities have lived for so long with the sounds of explosives echoing across the water from fish cages and discovered dead seals on the shoreline. We want an end to the use of all of these devices" said NOFF's Jessica Coughlan.

Companies have reported at least 42 dead seals within lease boundaries since 2021.

The use of underwater explosives and other devices against seals has declined sharply over the last five years, coinciding with increased scrutiny of industry practices.

Jessica Coughlan said the decline in the use of explosives and other devices reflected community outrage at the abuse of the state's wildlife. "This is an industry that has relied on secrecy for so long to conceal its impacts on wildlife and the environment from the community. So many local communities have lived for so long with the sounds of explosives echoing across the water from fish cages and discovered dead seals on the shoreline. We want an end to the use of all of these devices."

• Read the full report in The Tasmanian Inquirer 14 April 2025

• See more information on the use of explosives

• and on community efforts to prevent their use

• and on similar attempts even by industry-funded accreditation agencies

• and on widespread international attention