Fish Poo

What's the scoop on the fish poo when farming in net pens.?

I learned that fish waste impact is basically restricted to the space directly underneath the pens.  Fish farmers monitor waste levels, and you can bet the government can and will order farmers to reduce stock or allow the farm site to fallow ( no net and no fish) if waste levels exceed acceptable standards. Once the fish are harvested, the farmer always leaves the site fallow. The currents break down the organic matter and the area returns to its normal state.

"It is important to understand there is a great deal of difference between fish waste and human or land animal waste. We treat human waste in part because it contains fecal coliform bacteria and human viruses, which pose a significant risk to human health if consumed, and hundreds of chemicals found in cleaners, solvents, and other products used by people every day. Salmon do not produce fecal coliform bacteria and their waste is mostly a product of their feed, which is carefully regulated. Fish waste is a vital part of the marine ecosystem, and does not require treatment, just as animal manure is an important part of the terrestrial ecosystem and is also not treated."[1]

1. nsaquaculture.ca