Chilean authorities meet with salmon sector to coordinate algal bloom response

A series of harmful algal bloom events that have occurred in Chile’s south has led the country’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) to hold meetings with aquaculture representatives to determine how best to respond. The algal species Heterosigma akashiwo has been observed in Chilean waters since March, mainly affecting salmon operations set up in the Reloncaví Sound, which is located in the Los Lagos region of Southern Chile. Heterosigma akashiwo – meaning “red tide” in Japanese – is a microalga characterized by its golden-brown color and its clump-like appearance. It is harmful to fish because it consumes dissolved oxygen, causing suffocation, gill damage, and oxidative stress to fish in the same waters; however, it is not toxic to humans. Stakeholders participating in the meeting updated Sernapesca with their respective situations; to date, 11 farming centers have been affected and have activated preventive action plans. Authorities also reviewed measures ...