Sea lice management is one of the most significant welfare challenges in Atlantic salmon farming, with treatment methods varying considerably in their welfare impacts.
Each sea lice treatment method carries distinct welfare costs. Chemical bath treatments require crowding fish in nets, causing acute stress. Thermolicer warm water treatments can cause heat shock if temperature control fails. Hydrolicer water jet treatments cause physical stress and potential injury. Biological cleaner fish are themselves farmed animals with their own welfare needs. Welfare-conscious lice management minimises treatment frequency through prevention and uses the least invasive effective method.