Prerequisites

The tutorial presents a simple case study with the purpose of demonstrating functionality in AquaSim.

It is assumed that the user is familiar with the basic principles of modelling and specifying material parameters in AquaEdit, as well as conducting analyses. If you are looking for an introduction to AquaSim we advise you to start with the Basic program tutorials.

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.