Multi X activates contingency plans due to algal bloom mortalities
300 tonnes of salmon have died at two farms in Chile's Magallenes region
Chile’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) has reported the activation of contingency plans for mass fish mortality due to harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the Magallanes Region, affecting two fish farms belonging to the company Multi X.
Since mid-September, the regulatory body has been monitoring a HAB in concentrations above the regulatory reference limits of harmfulness. The bloom has been present in four Multi X farms, and yesterday two of them activated contingency plans due to mass mortality, reports Fish Farming Expert's Chilean sisiter site, Salmonexpert.cl.
Following notification from Multi X, which is one of Chile’s largest salmon producers, Sernapesca personnel travelled to the site to oversee the removal, handling, denaturing, and storage of the mortalities, and verify compliance with the action plans.
Denaturing is a mandatory process that alters the structural properties of dead fish tissue and proteins so that pathogens, viruses (such as infectious salmon anaemia or IPN), and bacteria cannot replicate or spread. It also prevents illegal diversion from using or moving the morts outside of approved channels.
Massive die-off
Ximena Gallardo, regional director of Sernapesca in Magallanes, said: “We can report that this is a Leptocylindrus minimus bloom with concentrations exceeding the harmful limits, which has caused a massive die-off estimated so far at approximately 300 tonnes of salmon.
“The company has the logistical capacity for the removal, denaturing, and storage of the dead fish, and has already begun taking the necessary steps.”
At the Taraba 7 fish farm, an estimated mortality volume of 200 tonnes has been reported so far, while at the Taraba 8 fish farm, the reported mortality volume is estimated at 100 tonnes.
Sernapesca said it will maintain permanent inspections in order to ensure compliance with the required measures.
