Australia: Tasmania's salmon industry detonates underwater bombs to scare away seals, but at what cost?

Published 2021년 9월 17일

Tridge summary

The article highlights the concerns surrounding the expansion of Tasmania's A$1 billion farmed salmon industry, which aims to double by 2030, as noted by Richard Flanagan's new book, Toxic. The industry's practices, particularly the use of 'cracker bombs' or underwater explosives to deter seals, have been criticized for their potential harm to marine life. Despite the industry's assertions that these measures are necessary to protect both fish and human divers, research indicates that they can cause significant injuries to seals and disturb other marine life. The lack of strict regulations and the expansion plans, amidst failing environmental laws, have led to calls for more stringent oversight and greater public involvement in decision-making. The article also discusses the industry's history, its economic significance, and its defense by the Tasmanian Salmonid Growers Association, which represents the three major producers.

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Original content

Australians consume a lot of salmon—much of it farmed in Tasmania. But as Richard Flanagan's new book Toxic shows, concern about the industry's environmental damage is growing. With the industry set to double in size by 2030, one dubious industry practice should be intensely scrutinized—the use of so-called "cracker bombs" or seal bombs.The A$1 billion industry uses the technique to deter seals and protect fish farming operations. Cracker bombs are underwater explosive devices that emit sharp, extremely loud noise impulses. Combined, Tasmania's three major salmon farm operators have detonated at least 77,000 crackers since 2018. The industry says the deterrent is necessary, but international research shows the devices pose a significant threat to some marine life. ...

Source: Phys