Indications that algal blooms may affect wild salmon in a similar way as farmed salmon

• DOI: 10.1016/j.hal.2022.102310
• Publication Date: 2022-08-22T23:40:47Z
• Authors: Svetlana Esenkulova; Chrys Neville; Emiliano DiCicco; Isobel Pearsall
• Keywords: Juvenile fish

Based on a four year study conducted in Cowichan Bay, Canada, potential linkages between composition and abundance of phytoplankton the feeding histopathology juvenile salmon were noted. During two dense blooms (Skeletonema spp. Pseudo-nitzschia spp.), Chinook decreased (n=202, empty stomachs >50%). All collected gills (n=5) damaged following high levels mechanically harmful Chaetoceros convolutus water column; all livers showed signs pathological changes during Octactis speculum bloom. These observations consistent with effects previously reported from farms, however this agreement must be treated caution as it is based limited number samples. We suggest that there need for comprehensive studies to evaluate role algae stressor wild fish coastal environment.