Supporting sustainable salmon farming through innovative sea lice management

Partners: Aqua Pharma Group, Pulcea, Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Funders: European Institute of Innovation & Technology & SAIC

BACKGROUND 

Sea lice remain a biological challenge for the salmon farming sector. While various treatment methods are used, there is a possibility that emerging resistance could limit the effectiveness of traditional control methods. At the same time, salmon farming seeks to expand in a sustainable way in order to meet global demand for nutritious protein sources rich in omega-3 fatty acids and essential minerals.  

The BREEZE initiative brought together commercial, academic, and research partners to develop a residue-free, environmentally considerate system for sea lice management that prioritised fish welfare while addressing the potential limitations of existing treatments. By integrating established hydrogen peroxide treatments with novel acoustic technology and a biological clean-up process, this project aimed to support the salmon sector’s embrace of sustainable health management practices. 

AIMS 

The overarching aim of the BREEZE project was to deliver a system for the prevention and control of sea lice in salmon farming that minimises environmental impact and avoids the challenges associated with medicinal treatments and resistance build-up. The project sought to combine high treatment efficacy with rapid breakdown of treatment residues, enabling use in environmentally sensitive regions and supporting regulatory compliance. 

In parallel, BREEZE aimed to strengthen confidence among industry stakeholders, regulators, and the wider public by demonstrating that sea lice can be managed using methods that are welfare-driven, residue-free, and compatible with the long-term sustainability of European aquaculture. 

OVERVIEW 

This research was structured around a collaborative consortium designed to bring together commercial expertise, applied research, and academic validation. Aqua Pharma Group acted as the lead partner, with responsibility for treatment strategy, preparation, and delivery of field trials in Norway and Scotland, as well as subsequent scaling and commercialisation. Pulcea contributed to the development and fine-tuning of the acoustic treatment technology, while the Norwegian University of Science and Technology undertook modelling of hydrogen peroxide decomposition and dispersion, alongside analysis of water quality and environmental impact.  

The BREEZE project combined three core elements. The first was an existing hydrogen peroxide treatment, used for sea lice control. This was integrated with a novel acoustic-based technology designed to enhance treatment efficacy and address resistance issues associated with conventional approaches. The second was validation of a clean environment post-treatment, demonstrating the rapid elimination of the product following tarpaulin release.  

The project included a staged programme of trials, beginning with Norwegian and Scottish trials without fish, progressing to combined-concept trials, and culminating in planned launches with farmers in Norway and Scotland. The project was supported by EIT Food as part of its 2021 Business Plan for Sustainable Aquaculture, aligning BREEZE with the broader objectives of the EU Farm to Fork strategy and the European Green Deal. 

BREEZE achieved early progress in establishing the technical concept, consortium collaboration, and visibility within the aquaculture sector. 

Initial dissemination activities included the announcement of the EIT Food award, participation in major industry events such as AquaNor 2021, and engagement through webinars and showcases focused on sustainable aquaculture innovation. 

IMPACT 

BREEZE is positioned to deliver impact across environmental, economic, and societal dimensions of salmon farming. By enabling sea lice management with minimal residues and rapid breakdown into water and oxygen, the system supported reduced environmental footprint and compatibility with sensitive marine environments. The avoidance of medicinal treatments and the focus on fish welfare directly addressed regulatory and public questions associated with conventional sea lice control methods. 

From an industry perspective, BREEZE aimed to help salmon farmers mitigate financial losses linked to sea lice-associated disease while expanding the range of sustainable treatment tools available. 

Beyond salmon, the report identified future potential to adapt the BREEZE system for other farmed species, including seabass and seabream, extending its relevance to broader segments of the European aquaculture industry.