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Displaying items by tag: salmon lice

A definitive scientific paper, reviewing over 300 scientific publications, has just been published in the prestigious journal Aquaculture Environment Interactions on the effects of sea lice on sea trout stocks. A team of top international scientists from Norway, Scotland and Ireland reviewed all available published studies on the effects of sea lice and have concluded that sea lice have negatively impacted wild sea trout stocks in salmon farming areas in Ireland, Scotland and Norway.

The paper entitled “Effects of salmon lice Lepeophtheirus salmonis on wild sea trout Salmo trutta—a literature review” (https://research-repository.st-andrews.ac.uk/handle/10023/7295) reached its conclusions based on comprehensive studies of the effects of salmon lice from over 300 scientific publications. The project was funded by the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund which provides investment in Norwegian seafood industry-based R&D with the objective of creating added value for the seafood industry.

The study also examined the potential effect of sea lice on salmon and concluded that sea lice have a potential significant and detrimental effect on marine survival of Atlantic salmon with potentially 12-29% fewer salmon spawning in salmon farming areas. These conclusions concur with previously published Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) research on the potential impact of sea lice from marine salmon farms on salmon survival.

The studies reviewed indicate that salmon farming increases the abundance of lice in marine habitats and that sea lice in intensively farmed areas have negatively impacted wild sea trout populations. The effects of sea lice on sea trout are increased marine mortality and reduced marine growth. This new study confirms the evidence collected since the early 1990’s in Ireland regarding the impact of sea lice on wild sea trout stocks, particularly in relation to the collapse of Connemara’s sea trout stocks.

IFI have consistently called for marine salmon farms to maintain sea lice levels close to zero prior to and during the wild sea trout and salmon smolt migration period in spring. IFI have also raised concerns regarding the location of salmon farms in the estuaries of salmon and sea trout rivers.

The Board of Inland Fisheries Ireland welcomed this important publication and commented: “This new scientific review paper confirms the need for very tight regulation of sea lice levels on salmon farms and raises legitimate concerns with regard to the potential impact of new large scale salmon farms proposed along Irelands west coast on salmon and sea trout stocks. Regulators will now need to consider the results of this comprehensive review when making decisions on the sustainability and approval of future marine salmon aquaculture licences and the regulation of sea lice at existing sites so as to ensure no negative impact on salmon and sea trout stocks.”

Published in Fishing
Salmon farmers have been reminded of the dangers of egg-bearing lice, despite a "sustained reduction" in their numbers according to a new report.
"Pest control will always remain a challenge requiring active management," said Minister of State for Fisheries Sean Connick, as quoted by The Irish Times.
The minister spoke at the launch of a report by the National Implementation Group (NIG) for improving pest control in Ireland's salmon farms.
The report noted that the majority of facilities maintained lice level below trigger levels for treatment, and where treatment was necessary it was conducted effectively.
In response to the report, Salmon Watch Ireland (SWI) claims that the risks to wild salmonids "by inadequately regulated salmon farming" are being ignored, threatening juvenile salmon and sea trout.
It also highlighted the fact that Ireland is being pushed by the European Commission to conform salmon farming to EU Habitats Directive standards for wild salmon.
"The reality is that the regulation of the salmon farming industry is a shambles," said the SWI in a statement.
The Irish Times has more on this story HERE.

Salmon farmers have been reminded of the dangers of egg-bearing lice, despite a "sustained reduction" in their numbers according to a new report.

"Pest control will always remain a challenge requiring active management," said Minister of State for Fisheries Sean Connick, as quoted by The Irish Times.

The minister spoke at the launch of a report by the National Implementation Group (NIG) for improving pest control in Ireland's salmon farms. 

The report noted that the majority of facilities maintained lice level below trigger levels for treatment, and where treatment was necessary it was conducted effectively.

In response to the report, Salmon Watch Ireland (SWI) claims that the risks to wild salmonids "by inadequately regulated salmon farming" are being ignored, threatening juvenile salmon and sea trout.

It also highlighted the fact that Ireland is being pushed by the European Commission to conform salmon farming to EU Habitats Directive standards for wild salmon.

"The reality is that the regulation of the salmon farming industry is a shambles," said the SWI in a statement.

The Irish Times has more on the story HERE.

Published in Angling

About Safehaven Marine 

Safehaven Marine are designers and builders of FRP Pilot boats, Patrol boats, Crew transfer vessels, Hydrographic survey catamarans, Naval & Military craft and unique custom private motor yachts. All our vessels are built to the highest standards of strength & engineering and are renowned worldwide for their exceptional sea-keeping abilities, we set a new World long-range speed record in 2017 with our own vessel and crew. Established in 1996 we have built over 138 vessels supplied to 27 countries worldwide with over 40 pilot vessels in operation globally, and have become leaders in our field.

Based in Youghal, Co Cork Ireland, Safehaven manufacture our vessels from two modern factories, with all design work carried out in house, and built with our own experienced team of engineers, carpenters, electricians, shipwrights and laminators.

Always at the forefront of new technology and designs we continuously develop our range and push the frontiers of design: In 2020 we aim to set a UIM Transatlantic World record with our unique (patent applied for) new 22m high-speed vessel XSV20

Interceptor 42 pilot boat

The Pilot 42 model built by Safehaven Marine has been delivered to ports worldwide and has proved to be a superb sea boat performing admirably in pilotage operations with all owners extolling its virtues of seakeeping, strength and stability.

L.O.A. (Length overall) 13.2m

L.W.L. (Length along waterline) 11.5m

Length moulded (GRP hull only) 12.7

Beam Moulded (GRP only ex fender) 4.0m

Beam overall (Including fenders) 4.4m

Draft (Depth of hull below waterline) 1.35m

Displacement Lightship 14,500kg

Fully loaded 16,000kg

Fuel capacity 1600 litres

Water capacity 110 litres

Crew capacity 5 persons

Engines Volvo D9 425hp

Gearboxes ZF325

Subdivision 4 x separate watertight compartments

Crew capacity 1-2 crew plus 3- 4 pilots

Classification PRS

Speed 23.5kts fully loaded