Multi X has lost nearly 918 tonnes of fish due to algal bloom
The mortality event has now ended, say Chilean officials
Chile's state aquaculture agency Sernapesca states that the situation at Multi X's fish farms in the Magallanes region is under control.
A total of 917.79 tonnes of fish died as a result of the harmful algae bloom. All of the dead fish have been removed from the facilities.
Sernapesca has carried out inspections to verify that the handling, storage and transport of the dead fish have been carried out in accordance with regulations.
The dead fish and silage were transported by the fishing vessel Bronco to La Portada fishmeal factory in the Los Lagos region.
Allowed early harvest
Ximena Gallardo, regional director of Sernapesca in Magallanes, said that the mortality was relatively limited compared to previous similar incidents.
“Although the mortality exceeded 900 tonnes, it was low compared to other algal incidents we have recorded. The company's emergency plans were implemented, while we carried out inspections,” said Gallardo.
She added that the authorities also gave permission for accelerated harvest to limit further losses.
Gallardo emphasised the importance of aquaculture companies responding quickly and reporting monitoring results, so that harmful algal blooms can be detected early.
Damaged gills
Harmful algal blooms are natural phenomena that can vary in frequency and intensity as a result of, among other things, climate change and ocean phenomena such as the El Niño climate event.
Some microalgae produce toxins or compounds that damage the fish's gills, while others can attach directly to the gills and reduce oxygen uptake.
According to Sernapesca, it was physical damage to the gills that caused the mortality in Magallanes.
High concentrations of microalgae can also reduce oxygen levels in the water, especially when the algae decompose.
Sernapesca emphasised that supervision and proper handling of dead fish are crucial to limiting the consequences of such incidents.
