Potentially harmful algae were detected across production areas PO1–3 in week 14, although concentrations remain below levels associated with fish mortality, according to a status update from the Institute of Marine Research.
Sampling activity was significantly reduced during the Easter week, with samples collected only from PO1–3.
In PO2 and PO3, potentially harmful algae were recorded at several locations but at low densities, and the overall risk level for fish health was assessed as low.
In PO1, moderate to low concentrations of the algae genus Pseudochattonella were observed. Levels have declined in recent days in the central and southern parts of the production area, although the overall risk classification for PO1 remains moderate.
Satellite imagery shows high algal biomass in the inner parts of the Skagerrak, but no sampling data is currently available from these areas to confirm the species present.
The Institute of Marine Research urged producers to report any behavioural changes or increased fish mortality through its algal monitoring reporting system.
