Sea lice averages for the Scottish farmed salmon sector came down to 0.52 adult female lice per salmon for 2020, according to the latest annual figures published by the Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation (SSPO).
Last year’s average represents a fall on 2019’s 0.54 adult female lice per salmon, and also means that 2020 was the second-best year on record for Scotland’s sea lice averages after 2018’s 0.46.
Farms count adult female sea lice every week and report by calendar month.
“Fish health and welfare will always be our members’ top priority. The Scottish salmon sector continues to invest and innovate in the management of such challenges as sea lice. These figures – the second-lowest in eight years - remain at consistently low levels thanks to the considerable efforts of farmers,” SSPO Chief Executive Tavish Scott said. “Despite the issues posed by the coronavirus pandemic which necessitated changes to working and farming practices, Scotland’s salmon farmers have ably demonstrated their ability to care for their fish with the upmost professionalism while ensuring consumers in the U.K. and beyond have had access to fresh, healthy food.”
The Scottish salmon sector follows a “prevention over cure” strategy with regards to controlling the naturally occurring parasite, through the use of cleaner fish and mechanical treatments.
In 2020, the Scottish salmon farming sector published its “Sustainability Charter: A Better Future For Us All,” which sets out its ambition to be world-leading in the provision of healthy, tasty, nutritious food grown in the most responsible and sustainable way.
Sea lice are naturally occurring ectoparasitic copepods, which can affect both wild and farmed fish populations. Aside from the direct damage to fish’s skin, sea lice infestations can result in an increased potential for secondary infections.
The global costs of sea lice infestations to the salmon industry were estimated at USD 873 million (EUR 728.4 million) in 2018.
Photo courtesy of NatureDiver/Shutterstock
