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The Tasmanian Government is defending the use of capsicum spray, darts and bean-bag guns to scare fur seals away from the state's salmon farms.

Environment Minister Brian Wightman has told Parliament he has approved the use of the deterrents because of the danger seals pose to workers' safety.

Mr Wightman says a working group in his department will report on the effectiveness of the deterrents in six months.

"Obviously we like to focus on exclusion and keeping the seals out and that's what the companies prefer as well," he said.

"But there will be times when occupational health and safety is in question and deterrents have to be used."