Factors influencing the long-term dynamics of larval sea lice density at east and west coast locations in Scotland

Overview
TitleFactors influencing the long-term dynamics of larval sea lice density at east and west coast locations in Scotland
AuthorsHarte AJ, Bowman AS, Salama NK, Pert CC
TypeJournal Article
Journal NameDiseases of aquatic organisms
Volume123
Issue3
Year2017
Page(s)181-192
CitationHarte AJ, Bowman AS, Salama NK, Pert CC. Factors influencing the long-term dynamics of larval sea lice density at east and west coast locations in Scotland. Diseases of aquatic organisms. 2017 Mar 21; 123(3):181-192.

Abstract

Sea lice (Copepoda: Caligidae) are marine copepods that parasitize finfish, and in cases of high infestation can result in severe epithelial damage and mortality. In Scotland, 2 species of sea louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis and Caligus elongatus, pose a significant economic burden to the marine Atlantic salmon aquaculture industry and potentially impact wild salmonids. The purpose of this study was to determine how the density of pelagic sea lice is affected by external variables, in order to improve our understanding of sea lice dynamics. Long-term data from 2 sampling sites on the east and west coasts of Scotland were modelled independently in conjunction with environmental and anthropogenic variables. Statistical analysis identified that at the east coast site, the most influential factor affecting lice density was salinity. On the west coast, salinity, rainfall and farmed salmon production year were most influential. Molecular and morphological techniques also showed that the individuals recorded on the east coast were C. elongatus, a generalist copepod parasite, whereas only the salmonid-specific L. salmonis were found on the west. These results reiterate the role of environmental factors in influencing sea lice dynamics, and that salmonids are the primary hosts of sea lice on the west coast, but there could be non-salmonid host species as well as salmonid species influencing east coast sea lice densities.

Author Details
Additional information about authors:
Details
1Anna J Harte
2Alan S Bowman
3Nabeil K G Salama
4Campbell C Pert
Properties
Additional details for this publication include:
Property NameValue
Publication ModelPrint
ISSN0177-5103
pISSN0177-5103
Publication Date2017 Mar 21
Journal AbbreviationDis. Aquat. Org.
DOI10.3354/dao03095
Elocation10.3354/dao03095
LanguageEnglish
Language Abbreng
Publication TypeJournal Article
Journal CountryGermany
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PMID: PMID:28322205