Thanks to training and the sharing of best practices, the leading aquaculture companies in Chile have been able to bring down the levels of infections of sea lice to an impressive low level that has not been seen since 2005.
Sea lice levels in Marine Harvest are currently lower than they have been for the past two years, and continue to decrease.
Marine Harvest established a series of initiatives and actions to reduce lice levels in its operations, and shared these practices with the other leading salmon farming companies in Chile. Dr. Gordon Ritchie, Vice President Fish Health - Marine Harvest ASA, tells: “We were transparent in sharing our international knowledge and practices on lice control with our colleagues in Chile along with the wider industry. The improvements are a result of the hard work and strong focus by the Chilean team.”
The results were a reversed trend in lice numbers throughout 2007, and the numbers continue to drop as the campaign progresses. To describe some of the measures that lead to this improvement Ritchie continues: “Early in 2007 we planned a series of competence development programmes and practical training activities with our colleagues in Chile. The objective was to share best practices and knowledge of sea lice control and to implement new procedures for more effective management of lice.”
Marine Harvest set the first programme in March 2007, shortly after the temporary approval of hydrogen peroxide, which had been used effectively in other territories in the past. Large investments were made in equipment and hardware to facilitate this. With the commitment and hard work of the health and seawater staff, results were immediate. Phase 2, in June 2007, focused on optimizing treatments. Experts from the sister company Marine Harvest Norway were brought in to provide further practical advice. Dr. Ritchie says: “Our sea lice treatment experts from Norway did a fantastic job and their recommendations were invaluable. Their advice and recommendations were also aimed at preparing everyone for the introductions of more efficient medicines.”
The personnel in Chile have done a tremendous job and are now managing the lice situation very effectively. Marine Harvest is especially proud of the fact that the company now has the lowest levels of lice of the six largest companies in Chile. By taking the coordination of treatments even further and finding more treatment options Marine Harvest will continue this excellent work and strive for even lower lice levels.