From a natural occurring parasitic organism to a management object: Historical perceptions and discourses related to salmon lice in Norway

Abstract

Salmon lice is assessed as the most critical threat towards wild salmonids and is considered an adverse side effect of aquaculture. This article contextualizes perceptions of salmon lice in different historical time periods. It first examines how salmon lice was perceived before it become defined as an environmental issue, when the parasite used to be considered a sign of health when it was attached to the returning salmon. Also, during this time period the occurrence of salmon lice was never assessed as problematic, and thus never became conceived as a threat. In recent years’ salmon lice has emerged as a management issue associated with aquaculture, where the distribution of responsibility related to counting and reporting salmon lice is considered a challenge. In addition, criticism is geared towards the instruments of power bestowed upon the governmental agencies, especially the lack of sanctions against salmon farmers. Consistent in the discourses surrounding the management of salmon lice are statements framing the management system as inadequate, while the governmental agencies and the aquaculture industry are portrayed as incapable in complying with the established regulations.