Sea lice levels fall in Norway

Low sea temperatures and coordinated winter treatment are the main reasons for the decrease in the level of sea lice in many parts of Norway between January and February, said the Norwegian Food Authority (NFA).

The level of sea lice decreased in all regions, except in the counties of Hordaland, Sogn og Fjordane and Nordland, where the level was unchanged, according to reports.

In January, a coordinated winter de-licing programme was carried out along the coast. Updated figures show that it has had an effect, but the levels are still generally higher than in the same period from last year.

This is not entirely unexpected. The cold winter temperatures make the treatments less effective, and a decreased efficacy has also been observed. In addition, the effect of the treatment is less apparent in cold temperature so the full results are not yet apparent.

Due to these difficulties from low temperatures, the NFA is planning to delay the coordinated spring treatment. A consultation meeting will soon be carried out for the Regulation change to quickly take effect.

All facilities with more than 0.1 sexually mature female lice per fish will have to be treated. If current levels remain, it means that many facilities will have to treat in the spring as well.