Norway Deploys 3,500 Underwater Robots to Protect Salmon from Sea Lice Without Chemicals

Norway has introduced an innovative technology to protect farmed salmon from sea lice, deploying thousands of underwater robots instead of relying on chemical treatments. Sea lice have become a major problem for the country's salmon farming industry. Earlier, farmers used chemical baths to remove the parasites from fish. However, concerns emerged that chemical residues could affect consumers who eat the treated fish. There were also concerns that sea lice were gradually developing resistance to these treatments.

Oslo-based Stingray Marine Solutions has developed a technology-driven solution, deploying around 3,500 specialised underwater robots to protect salmon. The company added approximately 1,000 new robots last year. These devices monitor fish and detect sea lice on their bodies and in nearby surroundings before targeting the parasites with lasers. The technology is designed to eliminate sea lice without harming the fish. The robots are reportedly helping protect around 112 million farmed salmon in Norway and monitor nearly 25% of the country's salmon population. Farmers are also using around 15,000 cameras to continuously monitor the fish.