Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Lice Resistance Management

The growing problem of sea lice resistance to chemical treatments and welfare-compatible resistance management strategies.

Key Facts

Resistance to multiple chemical lice treatments is documented in sea lice populations
Widespread resistance compromises the main treatment options available to farmers
Resistance management requires integrated approaches combining biological, mechanical, and chemical methods
Rotation of treatment types can slow resistance development
Coordination between farms in a region is essential for effective resistance management

Welfare Considerations

Lice resistance means that fish are exposed to greater lice burdens as treatments fail, causing more tissue damage and suffering. Resistance management is therefore a direct welfare priority, not only an operational concern.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture standards that require integrated lice management plans
Advocate for regional coordination of lice treatment to manage resistance
Choose salmon from farms with documented resistance monitoring programs