Cermaq Canada completes production cycle in Ahousaht Territory with zero mechanical delousing.
Cermaq Canada says it has completed a full 22-month production cycle in Ahousaht Territory without using mechanical sea-lice treatments, reporting an average lice level of 0.30 over the past 12 months. In 2022 the company conducted 56 mechanical delousing treatments and recorded an annual average of 1.93.
The update was issued jointly with Ahousaht First Nation and the Maaqutusiis Hahoulthee Stewardship Society (MHSS). According to the parties, the outcome reflects a multi-year programme of farm management protocols agreed with the Rightsholder Nation, alongside site-specific operational changes and technologies.
Under federal conditions in Canada, operators must keep motile lice below 2.8 during the spring out-migration and notify authorities with a mitigation plan if thresholds are exceeded at other times. Ahousaht’s protocol with Cermaq sets tighter limits of 1.5 motile lice during out-migration and 2.5 for the rest of the year, the parties said.
“As Cermaq completes its first production (22 months from entry to harvest) with zero mechanical delousing treatments since the introduction of mechanical delousing in 2020, I am filled with resolve that when First Nations leadership is central to resource business decision making the result is beneficial to all involved…” said Richard George, Hasheukumiss, Ahousaht. “This success in farm management under a strict and comprehensive protocol agreement with the Rightsholder Nation is a true example of what can be achieved when aquaculture operations advance in context of local communities, local ecosystems, traditional ecological knowledge, while incorporating modern science and innovation that is purposeful and effective.”
“This phenomenal result has been the culmination of joint efforts of MHSS and Cermaq Canada to first identify a clear goal that respected the Ahousaht First Nation’s knowledge of their lands and waters and what would be required of our company to operate within their Hahulli. Second the ability of our incredible team at Cermaq Canada to make that goal a reality through world leading innovative technologies and practices that were fit for purpose across our sites in Ahousaht Territory,” said David Kiemele, managing director, Cermaq Canada.
Sea lice are naturally occurring parasites of wild and farmed salmon. Cermaq said reductions on farm contribute to lower lice pressure regionally and improve fish welfare. The company operates 12 active marine farm sites in Ahousaht Territory, supported by three land-based hatchery and broodstock facilities, and employs about 215 people in British Columbia.
