Mathematical and statistical synthesis of sea lice and salmon population dynamics in the Broughton Archipelago

The David Suzuki Foundation, a science-based Canadian environmental organization, and an intern from the University of Alberta will analyze data on sea lice and Pacific salmon population dynamics using mathematical and statistical techniques. The project will have three components: (1) evaluate how well current management actions work to protect wild juvenile salmon from sea lice from farmed salmon; (2) evaluate how sea lice affect the susceptibility of juvenile salmon to predators and how this can mediate the effect of sea lice from farmed salmon on wild salmon populations; (3) reconcile conflicting observations of infestations in the field and high resistance to sea lice in experiments. Together these analyses will contribute to the scientific understanding of how sea lice from salmon farms threaten wild salmon and how well current management works to protect wild salmon.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Mark Lewis

Student:

Martin Krkosek

Partner:

David Suzuki Foundation

Discipline:

Mathematics

Sector:

Fisheries and wildlife

University:

University of Alberta