Lice and statistics

Scientists at Strathclyde University are working on ways to tackle the growing problem of sea lice on fish farms without damaging the delicate ecological balance in Scottish sea lochs.

Sea lice cut the retail value of fish, but pesticides attacking them could damage the plankton in the water and lead to harmful blooms of algae.

Bill Gurney of Strathclyde's department of statistics and modelling science is heading a team to develop mathematical models to assess the likely impact of pesticides combined with increased nutrients from fish farms.