After holding meeting with breeders in Nordland and Troms, Norway’s Directorate of Fisheries said the algal bloom affecting sites in Northern Norway that was reported last week is not over

IntraFish reported the bloom had hit farms belonging to Northern Light Salmon particularly hard. However, several other companies were also affected by the algal bloom. Over the weekend, reports from salmon farmers said the event is slowing down in Troms, while farms in Nordland are still on high alert.

“There is no reported algae-related mortality at any sites [in Troms],” said the directorate. “The conditions look normal."

However, although the situation looks better in the Astafjord, authorities warned farmers to be aware that the fish is in danger if it is hit by the toxic algae.

The Institute of Marine Research does not have enough data to anticipate the likelihood of new blooms.

In the Ofotfjord, in Nordland, some mortality was still reported over the weekend.

“There is good reason for continued high preparedness,” said the directorate. “Water transport beyond the fjord will be able to transport parts of the toxic algae out of the Ofotfjorden.”

Companies have collected mortalities, but there have been challenges regarding storage capacity for the dead fish.

The total biomass lost to the event is still unknown.

Aquaculture

Northern Norway algal bloom still ongoing