Extensive mortality of farmed fish has been recorded in the Boknafjorden over the past 24 hours, prompting authorities to raise the algae risk level for the area.
In an update published Tuesday, Norway’s Institute of Marine Research (HI) said the risk classification for the fjord has automatically been changed to high due to the mortality reports and the presence of harmful algae.
Samples taken on March 23 showed mostly high algal densities in the outer parts of the fjord system, with more variable concentrations in inner areas.
Additional algae samples were expected to be collected from the area on March 24 to further assess the situation.
The update forms part of ongoing monitoring of the Pseudochattonella bloom affecting several salmon farming regions along Norway’s southern coast.
