RTI on Seal Mortality Data

RTI data release – Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 17 August 2022

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Media release – Tasmanian Alliance for Marine Protection, 22 August 2022

Call for the Ban of Bean Bag Rounds on seals

The Tasmanian Alliance for Marine Protection (TAMP) calls for an immediate ban on the use bean bag rounds by Tassal.

Data obtained under right to information legislation, by the Tasmanian Inquirer, show that another 25 seals (at least) have been killed by the Tasmanian salmon companies in the 18 months to the end of June. Over this period, 15 250 seal crackers and 275 bean bags (12 gauge shotgun riot ammunition, used exclusively by Tassal) have been used.

These rounds are not used by Huon or Petuna and should be banned immediately. They have the potential to kill and maim seals, as well as polluting the marine environment with lead and plastic debris. There should also be a complete review of the use of deterrents on protected seals as recommended by the recent Legislative Council inquiry into this industry:

Recommendation 64 Commission a review of the Seal Management Framework, including the efficacy and safety of all ‘seal management’ devices and processes allowed under that framework.

Seal deaths from the use of these deterrents can no longer be tolerated. They are and always were barbaric and unacceptable. Other non-lethal deterrents should be developed, together with better sealproof nets on sea cages. How many more seal deaths need to occur before action is taken by the Tasmanian Government on this?

Huon Aquaculture has increased its use of crackers in the first 6 months of this year (3819) compared with the same period in 2021 (3172). Huon has reported the most seal deaths (20) over 18 months. Petuna has reported no seal deaths, despite using over 2000 crackers. If this figure is true, then perhaps Petuna can advise Huon on the non-lethal use of seal deterrent crackers.

There is a clear contradiction in actions to protect seals like ‘Neil the seal’, who has a growing following around the world, whilst at the same time other seals are being killed by the salmon industry. Neil the seal and the efforts of community to look after him are to be commended but where is the outrage from the public for the 25 seals that have been killed by approved deterrents in their own waterways?

Are seals near salmon farms attracting large sharks into our coastal waterways? Research should be conducted to answer this question. Mick Lawrence, president of TAMP-affiliated Surfing Tasmanian, reports increased shark sightings by their members. At a recent meeting with the minister, Jo Palmer, Surfing Tasmania asked for the Government to make it mandatory for operational personnel on the salmon leases to report all shark sightings to the police immediately they are observed.

Ms Neill said it’s time the Government actually regulated and managed our public waters using world’s best practice.