January 20th 2025.
The recent attacks on the salmon population in Scotland have caused severe injuries and death to over 200,000 fish. Experts believe that this has been the most catastrophic event of its kind. The culprit responsible for this devastation is the String of Pearls Jellyfish, also known as the string jellyfish or barbed wire jellyfish. According to the Green Britain Foundation, this species has attacked two Scottish salmon farms.
Interestingly, this is not the first time this jellyfish has wreaked havoc on the salmon industry. In 2023, Norway also fell victim to these attacks, resulting in the death of over three million salmon. Shocking footage released just days before the incident shows the removal of countless salmon of various sizes from the affected site. The venomous tentacles of the string jellyfish cause excruciating burns on the fish's skin, eyes, and gills, leaving them with gaping wounds and immense stress. These helpless fish are confined in crowded pens, making it impossible for them to escape the relentless stings.
The injuries inflicted by the jellyfish make the salmon susceptible to infection and disease, leading to a slow and painful death if left untreated. Dale Vince, the founder of the Green Britain Foundation, sees this incident as a clear indication that stricter measures need to be in place to monitor the salmon farming industry. He believes that these companies should be held accountable for their actions, as they continue to use the land and sea as a dumping ground for their toxic practices.
The arrival of the jellyfish serves as a warning sign for the consequences of open-net salmon farming. As climate change continues to disrupt marine ecosystems, these farms are becoming more vulnerable to unpredictable and catastrophic threats. Environmental experts suggest that open-net farming should be phased out entirely. However, until then, strict regulations and environmental safeguards must be enforced to prevent further damage.
Reports from Norway have also shown that the threat of jellyfish attacks on salmon farms is ongoing and potentially increasing. In October 2024, the Norwegian Food Safety Authority advised salmon farmers to prepare for these attacks by implementing measures to protect their fish stocks. The jellyfish have been observed in various production areas, causing severe burns to the salmon's skin and gills, making them prone to infections and diseases.
The owner of one of the affected salmon farms has acknowledged that jellyfish blooms can harm the fish in multiple ways. To address this emerging threat, intensive monitoring programs have been put in place at Mowi's salmon farms across Scotland. These efforts include daily water sampling, species identification and counts, as well as temperature and oxygen monitoring at different depths.
The Scottish government has also expressed their concern for the health of farmed fish. While they do not have comprehensive information on the types of jellyfish present in every case of mortality, they acknowledge that the salmon farming sector is working towards better understanding the impact of jellyfish on the fish's health.
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