
As with all aspects of farming the public is concerned not just with the food in question, but also of the welfare of the production animals, which means that breeding companies need to be sure of the actual physical health and safety of their fish.Īs with many aspects of farming and agriculture, all aspects of aquaculture are the subject of scientific research to enable better understanding and improved planning for the future, including prevention of disease and improved fish health. Not only can this have an economic impact on the salmon farms, but also may create a negative perception of the farms with the general public. However, vaccinations can cause reactions at the injection site such as adhesions and discoloration, reduced appetite and growth, and in severe cases a downgrading of the carcass at market. Vaccinations against diseases such as furunculosis, vibriosis, cold-water vibriosis, winter ulcer and infectious pancreatic necrosis, which could otherwise decimate a farm, are vital in protecting the fish and farms and controlling these diseases in farmed Atlantic salmon. This is particularly important if the current consumption levels of fish continue: the FAO predict that we will need an extra 27 million tonnes of fish by 2030 to meet the demand.Īny farmer will tell you of the importance of vaccination in controlling disease, and this is no different for fish farmers, or specifically Atlantic salmon farmers. The complexities of all types of farming mean that research and understanding is vital in helping the industry to grow safely as well as rapidly. However, growth of this level in any industry, whilst exciting and positive in many ways, also brings with it its own complications. This rise in aquaculture production isn’t much of a surprise when you consider the emphasis on the health-giving properties of fish (particularly Omega-3 from oily fish) and the subsequent encouragement for people to eat more oily fish and it’s certainly good news for the aquaculture producers across the world. It is a rapidly growing division of farming across the world reports from the UN’s FAO suggest that it has been growing more rapidly than any other area of animal food production.Ī report published in September 2009 suggested that farm-reared fish accounted for 50% of world fish consumption. Aquaculture is the name given to the farming of salt water and freshwater fish and marine animals.
