November 2, 2006

UK authorities relax rules on sealice treatment for salmon producers

Salmon producers in the Shetland area of Scotland have welcomed a relaxation of rules on sealice bath treatment which would allow more effective use.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) earlier this week announced new measures after a study found these substances cause no harm to the environment.

The new rules doubles the time farmers are allowed to use the bath treatment from three to six hours.

Since longer periods are allowed, it would enable them to more effectively control the spread of sea lice, while using the treatment less frequently, David Sandison of trade body Shetland Aquaculture, said.

Sandison said that would be good news for fish farmers and the environment.

With less restrictions, farmers may be able to keep sealice levels down to such low levels that frequent treatment becomes unnecessary, he added.

SEPA yesterday said that more effective treatment of such infestations might benefit wild salmon populations as well.