208. It appears that wrasse (cleaner fish) could be used in increasing numbers in the salmon industry to reduce sea lice as they are clinically, financially and environmentally beneficial. Attention should therefore be paid to factors essential to their welfare.
209. The welfare of wrasse should be carefully considered and guidelines have already been formulated by the salmon industry on the use of these fish. Particular emphasis should be paid to the importance of: (i) provision of refuges to give wrasse protection from bird predation and attack by large salmon, (ii) their removal before grading, (iii) their removal when depriving salmon of food prior to slaughter, and (iv) provision of food for them if insufficient is available from lice and cage fouling. Finally, wrasse suffering from disease should be destroyed in an humane and hygienic manner.