Algae kills 1.5 million
1.5 million fish at 3 sites operated by Salmones Camanchaca have died recently due to harmful algal blooms (HABs) of the Chattonella marina variety.
These farms - located in the neighborhood 2 in the Region of Los Lagos - held approximately three million fish of between 1.5 to 2.9kg, with an average of 2.3kg. This means about 6,750 tonnes of biomass, whose book value as of January 31st is of US$ 22.2 million. Preliminary estimates indicate that fish mortality would be of approximately 1.5 million fish, equivalent to 3,400 tonnes, the company informed to the Chilean Securities and Insurance Supervisor (SVS).
The general manager of Camanchaca, Ricardo García, said his company has adopted all contingency and mitigation plans for such situations, providing fishing vessels and high tonnage assets for the removal and disposal of mortalities. He also revealed that these farming sites are insured against the risk of harmful algal blooms, with clauses deductible.
