Aquaculture for all

Authorities Hand Over Seal Strategy to Industry

AUSTRALIA - The Tasmanian Government has changed the way in which the local salmon farming industry deals with problem seals that get trapped inside fish pens.

To date the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries ran a relocation service which took the protected animals to farm-free areas and released them with costs charged to the industry.

From February next year the problem will have to be addressed by the industry itself.

Gary Davies, head of wildlife management with the department, says seal relocation was only an interim measure, as new methods of managing seals were investigated and trialled.

Mr Davies says deterrents to modify seal behaviour and strengthening the salmon cages themselves are some of the alternate strategies available.

He claimed there was no indication that seals will be harmed as a result of the proposed policy changes.

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