Evaluation of the efficiency of non-chemical methods to reduce the impact of sea lice associated with salmon aquaculture sites using the principles of bio-filtration and trapping

Description

This project seeks to provide the proof of concept information from laboratory research that is required to advance to the next stage, which is to evaluate the feasibility of non-chemical methods for the control of sea lice as part of an overall farm health management plan. Specifically, there are two objectives:

1. To evaluate the effectiveness of the Blue Mussel (Mytilus edulis) in removing sea lice nauplii from the water column. Evaluation of the removal efficiency will be done via gut content analysis of the mussels using recently developed PCR-based techniques, and
2. To test the behavioural responses of sea lice to a number of established cues on light, colour, motion and chemical attractants in various combinations. Once a suitable combination is found, a prototype will be made and tested in comparison to an existing trap from the West Coast.

Program Name

Aquaculture Collaborative Research and Development Program (ACRDP)

Year(s)

2010 - 2011

Ecoregion(s)

Atlantic: Gulf of Maine, Scotian Shelf

Principal Investigator(s)

Shawn Robinson
Email: Shawn.Robinson@dfo-mpo.gc.ca