Lice numbers in northern Norway ‘at worrying levels’

Fish farms in northern Norway are being hit by extraordinarily high salmon lice levels, say the authorities.

The situation is being caused by exceptional summer temperatures which have been up to five degrees centigrade higher than normal.

The has created an extraordinary situation that companies are very concerned about, says Geir Ove Ystmark, CEO of the industry organisation Sjømat Norge (Seafood Norway). Salmon lice generally thrive better in high sea temperatures.

In the past the normally lower temperatures in the north of Norway have led to lower lice pressures, and with it a lower need for treatment capacity – but not anymore.

The Norwegian Institute of Marine Research said temperatures of up to 16.85C have been recorded at their measuring station at Eggum in Lofoten.

Usually the temperature on the outside of Lofoten is around 12-13C at this time of year.

The lice limit is normally 0.5 adult female lice on average per fish in the facility. According to the figures from lice data, far more facilities are now above the measure limit.

Seafood Norway CEO Geir Ove Ystmark

Geir Ystmark said: “The aquaculture industry uses wellboats and service vessels to carry out lice removal.

“When so many companies need de-lousing at the same time, it creates capacity challenges in Northern Norway. “

He added: “We are concerned that temperature changes are coming faster than we have predicted. It is generally cause for concern, also for the aquaculture industry, which is now experiencing higher lice pressure.

“The situation we are now experiencing, we must prepare ourselves for what could become a new normal.”