Higher sea lice concentrations are forcing Chilean authorities to step up efforts to combat the scourge of the salmon farming industry.

The problem is more acute in the Los Lagos and Aysen regions of southern Chile as the efficiency of anti-parasitic treatments declines.

Authorities led by the National Service of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Sernapesca) want to reduce the presence of the parasites before the summer season, when higher temperatures, among other factors, favor their presence.

Measures will be mainly focused on encouraging the use of non-pharmacological products, such as hydrogen peroxide and freshwater baths, among others.

Salmon companies will also be encouraged to draw up and present preventive control plans within areas at risk. Authorities are keen to a see a varied toolbox of methods deployed, including the use of mechanical methods and the rotation of the treatments.

"Measures will enhance the current strategy of control of caligidosis, relying on reinforced surveillance of biomass and the expectation of harvests," Sernapesca Assistant Director of Aquaculture Marcela Lara said.

Results will be verified through on-site inspections by Sernapesca inspectors. New control measures will be outlined by Sernapesca at a private-public technical meeting on Aug. 8 in Puerto Montt.

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Aquaculture

Chile beefs up strategy to combat worsening sea lice scourge