Learning objectives

In this tutorial, you will be introduced to:

• Basic concept of lice skirt
• Lice skirt parameters in AquaSim
• Key result parameter in AquaView

Introduction

Salmon lice is a small parasite that is found in marine environment. It is a challenge for the aquaculture industry as it damages the salmon in terms of wounds and infections. A wide range of methods and devices has been developed through the time, to reduce the risk of infections in at the aquaculture facilities – lice skirts are one of them.

The lice thrive in the upper part of the water column, approximately down to 5-10 meters depth. The basic concept behind the lice skirt is to create a barrier between the salmon and the parasite in the part of the water column where the lice lives. If the parasite does not find a host, it will eventually die. The thought is that the lice skirts are permanently installed at the cages as a preventive measure.

Consider a conventional circular aquaculture cage with a net. The lice skirt is installed on the outside of the fish barrier and is attached to the floating collar. The skirt is commonly made by dense, water-resistant fabrics such as tarpaulins in P V C. In this tutorial you will be presented to the basic input-parameters when modelling a lice skirt – what they mean and how they can be applied. Some trouble-shooting aspects and suggested solutions are also included.

The user may find additional information and details on definitions and theory in these reports (Aquastructures, 2025a) (Aquastructures, 2025b).

Associated files