Aquaculture

Salmon Sea Lice Welfare Crisis

Sea lice infestation is the most significant welfare and production problem in salmon aquaculture, with resistance to chemical treatments creating a welfare emergency requiring alternative management.

Key Facts

Sea lice cause tissue damage, secondary infection, and significant pain and distress in salmon
Chemical treatment resistance means multiple treatments per production cycle
Mechanical treatments including warm water bathing cause additional stress to salmon
Cleaner fish including wrasse and lumpfish are deployed but their welfare is often poor
Biological, physical, and breeding approaches to lice management are in development

Welfare Considerations

Sea lice welfare is a crisis in salmon aquaculture. Treatment stress compounds the welfare impact of infestation. The cleaner fish welfare crisis adds another dimension. Fundamental solutions including breeding for resistance and enclosed aquaculture systems are needed.

What You Can Do

Choose ASC-certified salmon from farms with documented lice management welfare protocols
Support research into sea lice biological controls and resistance breeding
Advocate for cleaner fish welfare to be included in salmon welfare standards