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AEI 16:1-25 (2024)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/aei00469

REVIEW
A gap analysis on modelling of sea lice infection pressure from salmonid farms. I. A structured knowledge review

Meadhbh Moriarty1,*, Joanne M. Murphy1, Adam J. Brooker2, William Waites3,4, Crawford W. Revie3, Thomas P. Adams5, Matt Lewis6, Helena C. Reinardy7,8, John P. Phelan7, Johnny P. Coyle9,13, Berit Rabe1, Stephen C. Ives1, John D. Armstrong1, Anne D. Sandvik10, Lars Asplin10, Ørjan Karlsen10, Soizic Garnier1, Gunnvør á Norði11, Philip A. Gillibrand12, Kim S. Last7, Alexander G. Murray1

1Marine Directorate, Scottish Government, Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen AB11 9DB, UK
2Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
3Computer and Information Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G1 1XH, UK
4School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9AB, UK
5Scottish Sea Farms Ltd, Barcaldine Hatchery, Argyll PA37 1SE, UK
6Intertek Energy & Water Consultancy Services, The Maltings, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff CF24 5EA, UK
7Scottish Association for Marine Science, Dunstaffnage PA37 1QA, UK
8Department of Arctic Technology, University Centre in Svalbard, 9171 Longyearbyen, Norway
9Bakkafrost Scotland, 28 Drumsheugh Gardens, Edinburgh EH3 7RN, UK
10Institute of Marine Research, PB1870 Nordnes, 5817 Bergen, Norway
11Fiskaaling-Aquaculture Research Station of the Faroes, Við Áir 11, 430 Hvalvík, Faroe Islands
12Mowi Scotland Ltd, Farms Office, Fort William PH33 6RX, UK
13Present address: Salmon Scotland, 21 Calton Road, Edinburgh EH8 8DL, UK
*Corresponding author:

ABSTRACT: Sustainability of aquaculture, an important component of the blue economy, relies in part on ensuring assessment of environmental impact and interactions relating to sea lice dispersing from open pen salmon and trout farms. We review research underpinning the key stages in the sea lice infection process to support modelling of lice on wild salmon in relation to those on farms. The review is split into 5 stages: larval production; larval transport and survival; exposure and infestation of new hosts; development and survival of the attached stages; and impact on host populations. This modular structure allows the existing published data to be reviewed and assessed to identify data gaps in modelling sea lice impacts in a systematic way. Model parameterisation and parameter variation is discussed for each stage, providing an overview of knowledge strength and gaps. We conclude that a combination of literature review, empirical data collection and modelling studies are required on an iterative basis to ensure best practice is applied for sustainable aquaculture. The knowledge gained can then be optimised and applied at regional scales, with the most suitable modelling frameworks applied for the system, given regional limitations.


KEY WORDS: Aquaculture · Salmon louse · Environmental interactions · Dispersal modelling · Population modelling


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Cite this article as: Moriarty M, Murphy JM, Brooker AJ, Waites W and others (2024) A gap analysis on modelling of sea lice infection pressure from salmonid farms. I. A structured knowledge review. Aquacult Environ Interact 16:1-25. https://doi.org/10.3354/aei00469

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