Huon investigating dolphin deaths at salmon farms

Tasmania salmon farmer Huon Aquaculture has told news media it is continuing to investigate the deaths of four dolphins that died after becoming entangled in farm infrastructure in separate incidents during the first half of 2025.

One dolphin died in March in the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, two in Storm Bay in May, and another in June, reports the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). All were short-beaked common dolphins.

Huon, which is owned by Brazilian meat giant JBS, told Australian media that it maintains "rigorous standards" across its farming operations to minimise the risk of wildlife interactions, including proactive mitigation measures, continuous monitoring and regular review of environmental management systems.

The company also says it's investing in solutions to enhance wildlife safety within its marine leases.

Accreditation withdrawn

In March, RSPCA Australia withdrew its certification from Huon Aquaculture following the release of a video that showed workers putting live fish into bins with dead fish.

In a statement, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) said it had “requested further information from industry to assist in reviewing the circumstances surrounding the dolphin mortalities”, reports ABC.

In August, Tasmanai’s Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced a moratorium on the salmon industry's expansion and promised an independent review to examine the industry's long-term sustainability and environmental impact.

The move came as Rockliff’s minority Liberal government was facing a motion of no confidence from the Labour party after an election, forcing Rockliff to offer concessions to the Greens to ensure he stayed in power.

The moratorium came just six weeks after Rockliff wrote to industry body Salmon Tasmania’s chief executive, John Whittington, in which the Premier stated that: “There is no stronger supporter of your industry than the Tasmanian Liberals.”

In the July 2 letter, Rockliff promised: “We will continue our strong support and advocacy for the industry, standing firm against baseless anti-industry activism and working to provide certainty for those regional communities and workers reliant on the continued success of your industry.”