Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Lice Biological Control Progress 2026

Biological control of salmon sea lice using cleaner fish is advancing with improved welfare standards for lumpfish and wrasse.

Key Facts

Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) are increasingly used alongside wrasse as cleaner fish
Lumpfish welfare research has identified key requirements including hiding places and varied diet
New lumpfish hatchery protocols significantly improve juvenile survival and welfare
Integrated lice management combining biological and mechanical methods reduces chemical treatment frequency

Welfare Considerations

Cleaner fish welfare was an afterthought in early biological control programmes. Improved welfare standards for lumpfish including appropriate stocking density, hiding structures, and nutrition produce better welfare outcomes and more effective lice control. Welfare and efficacy align in well-managed programmes.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture standards requiring welfare assessment for cleaner fish species
Advocate for lumpfish welfare guidelines as mandatory components of biological control programmes
Choose salmon from certified farms with verified cleaner fish welfare standards