Sea lice infestations are one of the most significant and persistent welfare challenges in Atlantic salmon farming, with treatment methods themselves causing additional welfare concerns.
Sea lice management creates a welfare dilemma where the harm of infestation must be balanced against the welfare costs of treatment. Both the lice themselves and the treatments used to control them cause welfare harms. Integrated sea lice management minimizing treatments through prevention, monitoring, and timely intervention at lower lice loads reduces total welfare burden. Investment in closed containment systems that physically exclude lice represents the most effective long-term welfare and environmental solution, though capital costs currently limit adoption. Consumer demand for certified lower-lice-burden salmon creates market incentives for welfare improvement.