Fish processing facilities: new challenge to marine biosecurity in Canada

Area of Science:

• Aquatic microbiology
• Fisheries science
• Environmental toxicology

Background:

• Animal food production, particularly marine salmon farming, can lead to pathogen transmission.
• Salmon processing facilities are potential sources of virulent fish pathogens.
• The environmental impact of aquaculture effluent on wild fish populations is a growing concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To confirm the broadcast of live fish pathogens from a farmed salmon processing facility into Canadian Pacific marine waters.
• To identify specific pathogens and biological materials present in processing facility effluent.
• To assess the potential risks posed by these emissions to wild salmon.

Main Methods:

• Effluent sampling and analysis from a farmed salmon processing facility.
• Microbiological and parasitological examination of collected samples.
• Identification of live organisms and biological tissues in the effluent.

Main Results:

• The study confirmed the first broadcast of live salmon lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) from a processing facility into Canadian Pacific marine waters.
• Live salmon lice, mucus, and fish tissue were detected in the facility's effluent.
• Untreated offal and blood water release were identified as significant concerns.

Conclusions:

• Salmon processing facility effluent can transmit live fish pathogens, including sea lice, to the marine environment.
• There is a potential threat to wild salmon populations from pathogens originating from aquaculture.
• Mandatory biosecurity programs are needed for salmon processing facilities to prevent pathogen release into wild fish habitats.