The Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (Nofima) on Tuesday announced that its effort to overcome the sea lice problems plaguing the country’s salmon farming industry is “in full swing.”
Nofima’s challenge models, which are used to fight viruses and bacteria, are now being applied to sea lice. The models can also be used to test different feed types with active ingredients that prevent sea lice infestation. Scientists will test the lice in all growth phases.
Along with Tromsø Aquaculture Research Station, Nofima said it has fielded a large number of requests from fish farmers seeking the tests.
“Consequently, we have taken steps to accommodate the industry,” said Heidi Mikalsen, Nofima senior advisor. “We have purchased lice from the Institute of Marine Research, which we are sure are not resistant to existing lice remedies. So far it looks very promising. We hope to move to the next stage as early as the autumn with large-scale trials.”
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