Chilean Salmon Farms Face Challenges as Harmful Algal Bloom Leads to Mass Mortality Event

Two major salmon farms in Chile are grappling with the impact of a harmful algal bloom event caused by the microalgae Pseudochatonella spp. The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) in the Aysén region reported a mass mortality event northeast of Isla Victoria. In response, contingency plans have been activated, and logistics operations involving three High Seas Fishing Vessels and two barges are underway to extract the salmon mortality, with a recorded total of 2,854 metric tons (mt) as of January 2. The affected salmon species include salar salmon and coho salmon.