Abstract
This project will provide new empirical knowledge that is essential for understanding how and to what extent salmon lice from fish farms affect wild salmonid populations. Questions raised in this study are: Q1) To what extent do lice from farms occur on w ild fish? i.e. to what extent do farms increase abundance of lice on wild fish; Q2) How many lice does a wild fish tolerate under natural conditions before its viability is compromised; Q3) To what extent are wild fish able to combat lice infection throug h adaptations aimed at reducing infestations; Q4) To what extent can sea lice reduce or regulate wild populations of salmonids. These questions will be answered through a combination of field and laboratory studies and through modelling of population effe cts. The project consists of three work packages: WP1) Test the tolerance levels for sea lice in wild salmonids - by laboratory studies; WP2) Determine natural adaptations of wild salmonids to reduce infection levels - by behavioural studies in the wild; WP3) Determine whether, or to what extent, sea lice reduce or regulate wild populations of salmonids - by modeling.
Norway