Farming Parasites: Salmon Lice Threaten Wild Atlantic Survival

May 19, 2025

Salmon lice from aquaculture reduce marine survival of Atlantic salmon.

Studies show that salmon farms increase lice infestations, which reduce the survival of wild Atlantic salmon.

This review of trials in Ireland (2001–2019) found that untreated salmon were 18% less likely to return as adults, and higher farm lice levels meant lower survival for all salmon.

This confirms that lice from aquaculture pose a real threat to wild salmon, highlighting the need for stronger lice control to meet conservation goals.

Link to publication
Contributors
Patrick G. Gargan
Michael Millane
Robert J. Lennox
Knut Wiik Vollset
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