An algae surge suffocated eight million salmon in Norway’s fish farms earlier this month, eradicating over 50% of this year’s anticipated sales growth, according to the state-owned Norwegian Seafood Council. The crisis has also hit other parts of Europe, including Germany, where a record number of farmed salmon were killed by toxic algal blooms. Around 1.24 million tonnes of salmon were exported from Norway, the world’s largest exporter of the fish, in 2018, up 2.5% from the previous year. Although none of the large listed salmon firms in the country, such as Leroy and Mowi, have been affected, prices are still expected to rise after the disaster.
An algae surge suffocated eight million salmon in Norway’s fish farms earlier this month, eradicating over 50% of this year’s anticipated sales growth, according to the state-owned Norwegian Seafood Council. Algal blooms occur as a result of factors including warm, still weather. Around 1.24 million tonnes of salmon were exported from Norway, the world’s largest exporter of the fish, in 2018, up 2.5% from the previous year. Although none of the large listed salmon firms in the country, such as Leroy and Mowi, have been affected, prices are still expected to rise after the disaster.