As part of Scottish Sea Farms’ ongoing initiative to deliver a natural solution to control sea lice, the company has invested over £4 million in purchasing Scotland’s first innovative Thermolicer machine.
Thermolicer trials are currently underway in Shetland. Scottish Sea Farms (SSF) will cooperate with other farmers in Scotland sharing the use and knowledge of using the Thermolicer with them.
The Thermolicer is a machine that uses zero chemicals in the treatment of sea lice. The lice have a low tolerance for changes in temperature and the new machine uses this fact to use water temperatures to eradicate the parasite. It is a simple and environmentally friendly method that goes beyond the traditional treatments.
Ralph Bickerdike, Scottish Sea Farms Head of Fish Health, said, “Sea lice is a challenge for all fish farmers in most salmon producing areas. At Scottish Sea Farms we intend being part of the solution to this challenge. Our work with SAIC and other industry partners in this area has already reaped huge benefits through our work with wrasse and lumpfish – varieties of cleaner fish.
“The Thermolicer is the latest step in developing alternative tools to maintain a sustainable solution to fish health management.”
