New Zealand King Salmon farm Photo: Supplied / New Zealand King Salmon
The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) is investigating New Zealand King Salmon's high summer mortality rates following a complaint by animal advocacy group SAFE.
It comes after New Zealand King Salmon recently reported higher than expected summer mortality rates, citing multi-factor causes, including warming water temperature which can increase stress and reduce salmon's resistance to bacteria.
SAFE Campaign Manager Emily Hall said intensive fish farming breaches the Animal Welfare Act, with the group also calling on MPI to launch an industry-wide review.
"The fish farming industry has been allowed to commit serious animal welfare breaches for far too long.
"Without urgent action fishes will continue to suffer in tragic conditions with no meaningful protection."
Hall said farmed fish were exposed to harmful conditions, including being trapped in cramped, barren enclosures, denied the space and freedom they need to thrive.
She said in addition to overcrowding and heat stress, the issues impacting farmed fish include skeletal deformities, skin lesions, stress and depression, and the quick spread of parasites and disease.
New Zealand King Salmon refuted SAFE's claims, with a spokesperson saying they are fully compliant with the Animal Welfare Act.
They said a licenced veterinarian oversaw fish health and welfare of all stock. It would work with MPI if they required any further information.
"We are constantly working to improve the welfare of the fish under our care and take very seriously the circumstances when we have elevated mortality."
The spokesperson said it follows voluntary welfare standards for farmed salmon in New Zealand, created by the New Zealand Salmon Farmers Association.
The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC) said it sees developing a code of welfare for farmed fish as a future priority.
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