Inspection reports

Case Number: 2024-0058

Download Site visit conducted accompanied by APHA Vet following reports of significant mortalities.
Initial mortality event report was wk 3 50,620 (3.56%), wk 4 30,488 (2.22%), wk 5 147,668 (11.01%).
During stocking of the site there was an issue with the pipework, a burr on a reducer resulted in some physical damage this was replaced and transfers continued without further issue. Mortalities continued to increase post transfer, some fungus was reported but following disease screening furunculosis was identified as the underlying cause of the elevated mortalities. In week 5, on veterinary advice, the fish were transferred to sea (Aird) to reduce the infection pressure within the system. The site was fallowed on the 6/2/2024, A full clean and disinfect was to be completed.
Due to the issues that have occurred onsite, the surveillance frequency could not be assessed appropriately as the frequency of movements on and off site were not representative of normal site operations, the site will remain medium risk. [Original PDF]

Case Number: 2024-0444

Download Site visit conducted accompanied by APHA vet following reports of significant mortalities in other Applecross units (FS0500 &
FS1362).
Unit first stocked in December 2023. Current stock has been in the unit since 23/10/24. More transfers planned this week from
Applecross Smolt Unit 2 (FS1362). Mortality has increased in week 46 due to fungus. The flow in the tanks has been increased and the salinity raised to 5ppt. The mortality rate will be below the reportable threshold in week 47 (updated
Fish appeared in good condition and displayed a good feeding response. A small amount of lethargic runts was observed, these would quickly swim away when approached with a net. Minimal fungus observed in the main population. The fish removed for VMD sampling appeared healthy both externally and internally.
Site thermometer used due to biosecurity, thermometers are regularly checked against a mercury thermometer. [Original PDF]

Case Number: 2024-0480

Download Site inspected and VMD samples taken.
Upon the physical inspection of the stocks approximately 20 - 30 moribund or lethargic fish were observed in each tank. A few fish in each tank were also observed having fungus. A routine fish health inspection was conducted by the FHI on 19/11/2024
(2024-0444), since the last inspection this unit has been stocked with a further 511,711 fish. Mortality on the site since the date of last inspection has been mainly attributed to transfer losses.
The fungus is being controlled onsite by increased flow and the salinity has been raised to 5ppt.
All fish sampled for VMD appeared healthy both internally and externally. [Original PDF]

Case Number: 2025-0047

Download Site was inspected following an escape MSe221224SAL1. The site had been transferring smolt from site at shore to a hired well boat. The well boat was moored at the pier. Due to the depth at the pier well boat smolt transfers are restricted by tide time. The escaped occurred when there was a breakage on the right side of the pier where the well boat and transfer line met.
It was the well boat connection that failed. This breakage was due to adverse weather, in which a gust of wind pushed the well boat away from the pier side. Approximately 35,000 had been loaded onto the well boat prior to the breakage. Fish that had escaped spilled onto the pier, most were retrieved and placed into a mort tub. However, it was estimated that 200 – 300 fish had escaped. The whole incident was witnessed by site staff.
The following mitigations will be implemented: to conduct risk assessment for adverse weather, to install a mesh net around the connection points on the pipeline, new pipe connectors to be put in place, to use Bakkafrost own well boat that will be tailored for smolt transfers. The Bakkafrost well boat will be used for every smolt transfer, this will ensure the same trained staff will be present for transfer. In addition, both site and well boat staff will check pipe connection at the well boat prior to transfer. During transfer there is to be a member of staff at every high risk transfer point, to ensure containment. A frame will be installed around the connection between wellboat and transfer line, with catch netting, to ensure that if splitting does occur again in the future, fish are captured. The connection point will no longer be placed at the pier side and will be situated on the wellboat. Appropriate equipment will be on hand at the transfer shed to catch and contain fish (hand nets, bins etc).
Site had suggested potential plans to create a pontoon from the pier so that the well boat is not restricted by tide times.
The next planned transfer in 2025 week 8 will be conducted via lorry transfer. Site said the next potentially well boat transfer will be 2025 week 8 or week 16.
The site has been experiencing low mortalities and background mortalities have been attributed to fungus (Saprolegnia).
The general population of stock in tank 1 and 2 were observed to be shoaling well and had a good food response, 10 to 15 fish per tank were observed to be hanging at the sides of the tank at the waters surface. It was suggested that the cause of this was due to the fish being recently transferred. Tank 3 was empty. Fish in tank 4 were observed to be in good condition, shoaling well and had a good feed response. It was observed that there was poor water quality which was attributed to stress on the ozone system.
Site records were inspected on 04/02/2025 in person by whilst supervised by . Site and stock was inspected
05/02/2025 in person by whilst supervised by .
Additional records received 25/02/2025 and 28/02/2025. Remote inspection was conducted 26/03/2025 by whilst supervised by to discuss submitted records. Recommendations were made. Updated records were received on
27/03/2025 and were found to be satisfactory. Records were inspected by on 27/03/2025, whilst supervised by . [Original PDF]

Source