Risk dimensions of fish farming operations and conflicting objectives

Operations at sea-based fish farms can be challenging, and several risk dimensions are of concern during operations. Sea lice represent a challenge for the fish farmers who are required to perform delousing when the infestation levels rice above a set value. Delousing operations are frequently performed and require the use of heavy machinery operated from service vessels moored to the net-cages. Operators are exposed to hazards that may cause severe injuries and fatalities. Escape of salmon, which is a substantial environmental risk, has occurred in relation to delousing operations. Chemicals used during the operations may cause negative environmental consequences. Other safety related issues are the fish health and welfare. In this paper, a delousing operation on a fish farm is discussed with respect to different dimensions of risk, and potential conflicting objectives are discussed.