Lice not a ‘significant’ salmon threat

Sea lice are not playing a “significant role” in killing off salmon stocks, joint research by the Marine Institute and NUI Galway has claimed.

In a study published in the trade magazine Journal of Fish Diseases, the group said it is “unlikely” any infestation by the parasite risks causing devastation to the salmon industry.

However, the comment is expected to provoke fury from opponents who insist the sea lice problem is damaging local economies in coastal areas.