Technology Helps Fight Red Tide Threat

As ocean temperatures continue to rise, algae and other microorganism blooms are becoming more frequent and severe, affecting seafood production globally.

In recent years, outbreaks of harmful microalgae Alexandrum cantenella, better known as Red Tide, have threatened to shut down the critical salmon export market in Chile.

The government of Chile, through its Ministry of Economy, Development and Tourism’s National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca), last month released procedures for well-boat operators and fish processors to implement and validate systems to inactivate the Alexandrum cantenella microorganism in water in which the products are transported to avoid the spread of these harmful organisms.

Sernapesca has approved Bioionix, Inc's BIOIONIX 6500 and 8500 systems for the elimination of this threat to a large segment of the country’s economy.

Hans Kossmann, noted marine biologist and master in biotechnology management, and partner and director of Patagonia Wellboats in Chile, has worked with and tested the BIOIONIX systems to develop the application. According to Kossmann, “The Bioionix systems are superior to other treatment methods to assure food safety. They have the potential of significantly improving the ability of the fishery industry of Chile and other countries to provide food products around the world.”

“Bioionix has worked diligently with Ancora, our Chilean partners, to achieve this validation and certification,” said Pete Marsnik, CEO of Bioionix. “We’re proud to provide the only solution tested under real conditions aboard a working wellboat that has been specified by Sernapesca in its regulatory findings and approvals. We’re eager to serve the Chilean seafood industry and make BIOIONIX technology available to seafood producers worldwide.”