Farmed Salmon ‘Plagued’ With Sea Lice And Jellyfish During Summer Heatwave

An investigation revealed that salmon at farms supplying major UK supermarkets were plagued with sea lice and jellyfish blooms during a summer marine heatwave. Footage from farms operated by Bakkafrost, Scottish Sea Farms, and Mowi showed high levels of sea lice, gill inflammation, and bacterial disease. Jellyfish blooms may have contributed to more fish deaths, with warming oceans potentially increasing their numbers.

Salmon farms are struggling with sea lice invasions and environmental stressors like marine heatwaves. The high temperatures this summer in the UK have been detrimental to caged salmon, affecting their appetite and ability to regulate salt and water in their bodies. Campaigners argue that fish farming exacerbates overfishing issues and environmental impacts, advocating for plant-based alternatives as a more sustainable solution.