Chilean salmon mortalities resulting from a fatal algae bloom have reached 24.2 million fish as of 17 March, a considerable increase over the 23.8 million salmon deaths tallied on 14 March.
Chile’s Region X has had to deal with 38,300 metric tons of dead salmon so far, ever since the algae bloom took effect starting on 22 February, according to Tele 13. More than 32,000 metric tons, or 83.8 percent, of dead salmon has been extracted from the facilities suffering mortalities, reported Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture Raul Súnico and the national director of Sernapesca, José Miguel Burgos.
"This activity is being carried out under strict control and monitoring of the regional authority, taking into consideration the appropriate biosecurity measures and safety for people," said Burgos of the protocol and process being followed to dispose of the deceased salmon, per Tele 13.
Most of the salmon is being utilized as fishmeal; the rest will be sent to landfills. Mortalities are on the decline as of now, with the peak of the surge having been felt in early March.
