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Mounting concerns within Chile's Salmon Sector
CHILE - Workers in Chile's salmon sector have voiced concerns over proposals to close a number of disease-hit fish farms in Region X. They are concerned about their jobs, livelihoods and the future of fish farnming in the area.
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| Troubled waters in Chile's picturesque Region X. It is an ISA hot spot. |
However, the number of salmon sites harbouring Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) continues to grow, and the industry and Chile's Government fears an epidemic. Observers say that the once luctrative salmon farming sector is now hemorrhaging money and looks very unstable.
Scientists confirmed the presence of ISA on at least two Chilean fish farms six months ago. Both sites were operated by Norwegian-owned Marine Harvest, the world’s largest farmed salmon company.
Chile’s National Fishing Service (SERNAPESCA) has implemented an extensive quarantine of the area and ordered all infected fish to be slaughtered.
However, more recently the government has expanded its list of infected farms and the official number now stands at eight. The latest outbreaks were confirmed two weeks ago on another Marine Harvest farm.
The Norwegian company has been especially hard hit by the disease, which has been detected on six of the company’s facilities. The other two companies affected by ISA are Aguas Claras and Mainstream. More than 40 other fish farms in the Region X area are also under quarantine.
Further Reading
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- Find out more information on ISA by clicking here. |
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- Go to our previous news item on this story by clicking here. |
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