Distribution of the larval stages ofLepeophtheirus salmonisin three bays on the west coast of Ireland

The distribution of Lepeophtheirus salmonis larvae was investigated by taking plankton tows from stations on a regular basis in a number of bays on the west coast of Ireland during the spring/summer period in 1995 and 1996. Larvae were only found consistently at a station close to a salmon farm at the mouth of Killary Harbour. In the inner harbour, close to the mouths of two rivers and distant from the farm, larvae were recovered sporadically. Similar sporadic occurrences were recorded in two other estuaries in which no farms were located. Highest densities of larvae were found in the spring of both years in the estuarine areas with a subsequent decrease in the following months.