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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Orono, Maine » National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #423274
Title: Preliminary investigations into natural compounds for managing sea lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis

Author
item REHMAN, JUNAID - University Of Mississippi
item Pietrak, Michael
item NANAYAKKARA, DHAMMIKA - University Of Mississippi
item KHAN, IKLAS - University Of Mississippi
item Polinski, Mark

Submitted to: Annual Eastern Fish Health Workshop
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/31/2025
Publication Date: 3/17/2025
Citation: Rehman, J., Pietrak, M.R., Nanayakkara, D., Khan, I., Polinski, M.P. 2025. Preliminary investigations into natural compounds for managing sea lice, Lepeophtheirus salmonis (abstract). Annual Eastern Fish Health Workshop. 03172025.

Interpretive Summary: Sea lice have been a problem for the salmon aquaculture industry for the past 50 years, costing the global industry over a billion dollars in recent years. The USDA National Coldwater Marine Aquaculture Center is in the process of developing integrated a range of solutions that involve selective breeding for resistance, cleaner fish, and novel treatments to help the industry manage sea lice. To broaden these research efforts, a partnership with the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi has been established to screen natural compounds for their potential to kill larval sea lice.

Technical Abstract: Sea lice have been a persistent pest for the salmon farming industry for the past 50 years, and economic estimates suggest a total cost to producers of approximately 9% farm gate value in recent years. The USDA National Coldwater Marine Aquaculture Center is in the process of developing integrated pest management strategies that involve selective breeding, cleaner fish, and novel therapeutics to help the industry manage sea lice. To broaden these research efforts, a partnership with the National Center for Natural Products Research at the University of Mississippi has been established to screen natural compounds for their potential to kill larval sea lice.