Chilean aquaculture regulator Sernapesca is filing lawsuits against salmon farmer Nova Austral before a civil court, the Superintendency of the Environment and the Public Prosecutor’s Office for “serious irregularities” linked to mortality figures.

The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) may review certification of salmon farms throughout Chile if claims against Nova Austral are found to be true.

Chile’s fisheries and aquaculture service, Sernapesca, has suspended the “antibiotic-free” certification held by farms belonging to salmon farmer Nova Austral, which is under investigation by the service for allegedly manipulating mortality figures.

Chilean salmon producer Nova Austral has denied claims by online newspaper El Mostrador (The Counter) that it massaged its figures to conceal mortalities.

Nova Austral has announced plans to build a US$32 million RAS hatchery in Tierra del Fuego, which would be capable of producing over 12 million smolt (in four batches) a year.