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Analysing mortality patterns in salmon farming using daily cage registrations
David Persson1, Ane Nødtvedt1, Arnfinn Aunsmo1,2
1Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway.
Journal of Fish Diseases
|December 9, 2021
Summary
Commercial salmon farming mortality is largely driven by individual fish groups, not just farm-level factors. Targeted strategies for specific fish groups are more effective for reducing salmon mortality.
Area of Science:
- Aquaculture
- Fish Health
- Population Dynamics
Background:
- Marine phase of commercial salmon farming faces significant mortality challenges.
- Understanding variation in mortality is crucial for improving fish survival rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze mortality patterns in commercial salmon farming.
- To identify key sources of mortality variation during the marine production phase.
Main Methods:
- Utilized daily mortality records from 21 million salmon across 10 hatcheries and 136 fish groups.
- Employed multilevel linear regression models to assess sources of mortality variation.
- Examined mortality contributions from smolt-related issues, diseases, and handling procedures.
Main Results:
- Individual fish groups accounted for the majority (70%) of mortality variation.
- Smolt-related mortality (10%) and infectious diseases (17%) were significant early-stage causes.
- Handling and treatment (29%) emerged as the dominant overall cause of mortality.
Conclusions:
- Mortality in farmed salmon is highly variable at the fish-group level.
- Targeted interventions for specific fish groups are recommended over general farm-level strategies.
- Addressing handling and treatment practices is critical for reducing overall salmon mortality.
