Salmon Lice Management: Welfare-Compatible Approaches

Overview of welfare-compatible sea lice management approaches in salmon farming.

Key Facts

Mechanical lice removal using freshwater or warm water treatments stresses salmon
Laser lice removal systems offer a welfare-compatible non-chemical approach
Biological control using cleaner fish has welfare implications requiring management
Coordination of lice management across farm clusters reduces resistance and welfare burden
Fallowing periods disrupt lice life cycles and are a welfare and environmental management tool

Welfare Considerations

Welfare-compatible sea lice management requires balancing effective lice control with the welfare costs of treatment methods. Mechanical treatments cause acute stress. Laser systems offer precision removal with lower welfare impact. Biological controls through cleaner fish have their own welfare considerations. Treatment coordination and fallowing reduce overall lice burden and treatment frequency. Developing and adopting welfare-compatible treatments is a priority for salmon aquaculture.

What You Can Do

Support development of welfare-compatible sea lice management technology
Choose salmon from farms demonstrating evidence-based, welfare-compatible lice management
Advocate for welfare assessment of all lice treatment methods in aquaculture regulation