573,776 smolt lost following suspected technical failure at SalMar facility.
A total of 573,776 smolt died following a suspected technical failure at a smolt facility operated by SalMar Settefisk in Senja. In one tank, mortality was reported at 100 percent.
The incident was first reported by Folkebladet, which obtained access to inspection documents from Mattilsynet.
According to the documents, the immediate cause of death was gill disease. The reports indicate that suspicion has been directed towards the disinfectant Aquades. The main working theory is that residues of the disinfectant remained in a pipe supplying water to the facility, leading to exposure after the system was brought back into operation.
The consequences were particularly severe in one tank, where all 162,140 fish are reported to have died following exposure.
Mattilsynet routinely investigates incidents involving abnormal mortality to assess compliance with welfare regulations and operational routines, including cleaning, disinfection and restart procedures.
SalMar is one of the world’s largest Atlantic salmon producers, and smolt production is a critical part of its value chain.
SalMar Settefisk’s management has not yet responded to questions regarding the incident, according to Folkebladet.
