Major problem of cage aquaculture in Asia relating to sea lice
2000
Ho, J.S. (California State Univ., Long Beach, California 90840-3702 (USA). Dept. of Biological Sciences)
It is a well-known fact that several species of sea lice (Copepoda, Caligidae) have become the major pathogens of salmonid fishes farmed in sea cages in Europe, North America and South America. The disease caused by the infestation of sea lice may account for losses in excess of 20% of the total production in said areas. Over 400 species of sea lice are currently known, with most of them occuring in the tropical and temperate waters throughout the world oceans. Thus, the operation of cage aquaculture of warm water fishes in Asia is destined to be confronted with assaults by more species of sea lice. Examination of sea lice of Asia regarding their pathogenecity, patterns of distribution, host specificity, and effects of on the fishes in coastal culture revealed that Caligus epidermicus, C. orientalis and C. punctatus are the potential "major pathogens" of cage aquaculture in Asia. A monitoring of these three species is highly recommended if cage aquaculture is to be developed into a major industry in Asia. It should be noted that other species of Caligids are not to be neglected. Although sea lice presents potential threats to the aquaculture industry in Asia, regrettably, there is only a handful of specialists in Asia to help cope with this putative problem. Thus, to prepare a group of specialist to work on the sea lice of Asia is considered as one of the most indespensible preparatory works to the modernization of cage aquaculture in Asia.
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