Scientists issue warning after creatures escape containment during massive storm: ‘Major genetic changes’
The devastating impact of Storm Amy is still being felt as scientists warn of another outcome from this massive hurricane. Phys.org reported It was stated that farmed salmon escaped into open water during the storm and this had serious effects on the surrounding ecosystem.
What’s going on?
As the storm from Storm Amy ripped through the Scottish Highlands, it also ripped through farm pens holding thousands of salmon. Approximately 75,000 farmed salmon in Loch Linnhe escaped into the wild due to the storm.
Because farmed salmon are highly farmed, they exhibit distinct genetic differences from wild salmon. Farmed salmon are also not equipped to survive in the wild, as they feed on pellets rather than catching live prey.
But scientists are more concerned about farmed salmon surviving in the wild. These farmed fish are able to breed with wild salmon, disrupting the genetic pool in the wild population.
“When they mate with wild salmon, their offspring inherit a set of traits that are neither truly wild nor farmed, making them less suited to their natural habitat.” wrote Phys.org. “This process, known as ‘genetic introgression,’ gradually undermines the genetic integrity of wild populations.”
Why is it important to release farmed salmon?
The release of farmed salmon is particularly worrying because wild salmon are among the most endangered species in Great Britain. Mixing farmed salmon with wild salmon not only threatens the wild salmon population but also disrupts the species’ genetic pool.
To make matters worse, this is the time of year when wild salmon return to Scottish rivers to spawn; The female salmon lays eggs that are eventually fertilized by the male salmon. Integrating farmed salmon at this crucial point in the salmon population’s life cycle increases the risk of hybridization and “long-term genetic damage.” Phys.org.
2021 Maritime Scotland before Storm Amy report had already found that rivers located near fish farms were in “very poor condition” and showed “evidence of major genetic changes.”
What is being done about farmed salmon escaping?
The escape of farmed salmon not only poses a direct threat to wild salmon populations. It also underscores the reality of extreme weather events, as storms become more powerful due to rising global temperatures.
Phys.org emphasized the need for “tighter regulation, better control measures, and effective genetic monitoring of wild populations” to better protect wild salmon and prevent future escapes caused by storms.
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