Calbuco volcano eruption. (Photo: Raúl Palma twitter.com/raulpalma)

Over 30 million fish lost due to Calbuco eruption

CHILE
Monday, July 13, 2015, 23:50 (GMT + 9)

The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA) confirmed that following the Calbuco volcano eruption that occurred two and a half months ago a total of 30.86 million fish was lost, with an average weight of 2,672 grams and a biomass of 82,450 tonnes.

Regarding authorized movements, it explained that the number of fish amounted to 33.19 million, with an average weight of 2,647 grams and a biomass of 87,865 tonnes.

According to the Report on Aquaculture for Contingency issued by this organization, in April this year there were 61 active fish farms and 15 centres in the lake during the freshwater phase of salmon farming in Los Lagos Region.

Due to the impact of the eruption, it was necessary to perform emergency movements of the farmed products and in some cases the producers had to cope with the total loss of their productions.

SERNAPESCA’s report also states that the number of licensed fish farms within a 20 km exclusion radius from the volcano was 21 in total. Out of that total, 10 fish farms were active before the eruption, and were operated by nine companies that were farming reproducers, eggs, fry and smolts.

During the week from 20 to 26 April, out of those 10 fish farms there were three farms, operated by the companies Marine Harvest Chile, Aquacultivos and AquaGen Chile, which recorded total losses.

The decline in these facilities amounted to 17.49 million fish, including reproducers, eggs and fry of Atlantic salmon, Pacific salmon and rainbow trout.

With respect to the two centres in the Association of Salmon Concessions (ACS) 1, which are located in the vicinity of the area, SERNAPESCA stated that "no transfers were made."

The report noted that, in total, eight companies were affected by the volcanic eruption: AquaChile, Invermar, Cermaq, Salmones Caleta Bay, Trusal, Marine Harvest, Camanchaca and Salmones Pacific Star (operated by AquaGen Chile), Aqua reported.

Reported articles:

- Fish farms affected by Calbuco eruption still being controlled
- Salmon firms assess damage and losses after Calbuco volcano eruption  

By Analia Murias
[email protected]
www.seafood.media

Print