Norwegian salmon giant Mowi is being accused of breaching the conditions of its farming permit by using copper impregnated nets at a location where there is a ban on the use of the material.

Copper
  • To prevent nets becoming fouled by algae and shells, the salmon-industry uses anti-fouling agents containing copper.
  • When the copper from the nets leaks, it accumulates in the sediment near the farming facilities.
  • Copper occurs naturally in the earth's crust, marine sediment and in seawater. The metal is important for a number of organisms, but can also be toxic in higher concentrations.
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