Aquaculture

Farmed Salmon Lice Monitoring Technology

Advanced monitoring technologies are transforming sea lice management in salmon farming, allowing earlier detection and more targeted treatment.

Key Facts

Sea lice monitoring was historically done by manual counting of sampled fish
Camera-based lice counters can count lice on passing fish without handling
AI-powered systems can identify lice species and life stages automatically
Continuous monitoring enables treatment before lice reach damaging levels
Early treatment reduces both fish stress and chemical treatment burden

Welfare Considerations

Traditional lice monitoring involved regular handling and crowding of fish, causing significant stress. Technology-based monitoring reduces handling frequency while providing better data. Earlier detection means treatments can be timed to minimise both lice burden and treatment-related stress.

What You Can Do

Support aquaculture standards requiring regular lice monitoring
Choose certified salmon products from farms with verified monitoring programmes
Advocate for technology adoption requirements in fish farming regulations