Yesterday, it was announced that the ASC will grant industrial fish farm company, Tassal, an exemption to its supposed “zero-tolerance” policy on the use of seal bombs on Tassal factory farms in Tasmania.

Bob Brown Foundation is calling for the cancellation of Tassal’s ASC and the cessation of the use of seal bombs. Failing that, ASC must be honest and transparent with consumers and remove any mention of a zero-tolerance policy on the use of seal bombs and acoustic deterrents from their website and certification scheme.

“Once again, ASC has shown that consumers should have no trust in seafood certifications. ASC claims to have a zero-tolerance policy on the use of seal crackers and explosives. Yet, unbeknownst to all but the most diligent and investigative shopper, Tassal has been granted the right to continue harming, injuring and killing Tasmania’s native wildlife to put salmon on supermarket shelves,” said Alistair Allan, Bob Brown Foundation Antarctic and Marine Campaigner.

“If you buy ASC certified Tasmanian salmon, you are buying a product that requires the cruelty, injury and even death of Tasmania’s native seals. It is a complete mockery of a system if, every time a company can’t meet the prescribed standard, it is given an exemption.”

“ASC should be upfront with consumers, remove any mention of their zero-tolerance policy, and be forthright in saying that ASC-certified farmed salmon allows the harm, injury and death of native seals in Tasmania,” said Alistair Allan.