Toxic 'red tide' in Chile prompts investigation of salmon farming

Algal bloom 'of biblical proportions' has led to protests and health emergency as concerns raised over dumping of rotting salmon in ocean

Chilean authorities are investigating the country's salmon-farming industry after an algal bloom carrying a virulent neurotoxin spread for hundreds of miles along the rugged coastline of Patagonia, triggering a health emergency and angry protests by fishermen.

The huge "red tide" has grown rapidly over recent weeks, in what has been described as the country's worst environmental crisis in recent years: dozens of people have been poisoned by the algal bloom which makes seafood toxic and has deprived thousands of fishermen of a living.