By enhancing the decision support system AquaDEEP, this projects aims to help farmers target effective sea lice treatment practices and minimise environmental impact while reducing treatment costs and production losses, ensuring seafood security for years to come through sustainable farming practices.
£50,000
3 months
Sea lice infestation is a major issue facing salmon aquaculture in Scotland, which contributes £1.8 billion annually to the Scottish economy. Without treatment, sea lice cause physical damage and stress in fish, and adversely affects growth and performance. Traditional chemical treatment methods are costly and may impact the marine environment. With plans to double aquaculture production by 2030, the industry needs innovative solutions for environmentally sustainable and effective lice management.
To help businesses reduce the commercial risks, while seeking to reach SEPA’s ‘beyond compliance’ vision of sustainability, BMT is supporting research and development into evidence-based approaches on effective lice treatment. We have developed a predictive marine modelling tool, AquaDEEP, that integrates hydrodynamic, particle tracking, water quality and aquatic ecosystem software to aid planning and operational decisions.
In partnership with Scottish Sea Farms, Marine Scotland Science, Aquatera and SEPA, the particle tracking module in AquaDEEP has been enhanced to incorporate sea lice maturation and motility response to environmental triggers as well as mortality from bath treatment. This tool can be used to target effective lice treatment practices and minimise environmental impact while reducing treatment costs and production losses, ensuring seafood security for years to come through sustainable farming practices.
BMT UK Ltd.