SEPA's Sea Lice Regulatory Framework

1. Recommendations

R1: Improve documentation and communication.

The current description of SLRF is spread across several documents and lacks clarity in key places. What is required is a final, consolidated Regulatory Rulebook or Technical Guidance Document that supersedes all previous documentation, has a clear revision history and is in the public domain. This document needs to contain new and clear process flow diagrams of SLRF and collate information from consultations, responses, FAQs, standards and any other documentation relating to SLRF. This one document should be the single point of reference relating to the SLRF which explicitly states current methodology, assessment and implementation requirements. The position statement published by SEPA on 2^nd September 2025 (after this review began) is a basic starting point, in need of elaboration.

R2: Full sensitivity analyses to be undertaken.

There is a strong scientific imperative to undertake a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of the screening model. This work should be independently reviewed.

R3: Full framework to be implemented.

Two areas have not been fully implemented or described: framework adaptation and refined modelling. These shortcomings should be rectified.

R4: Shape of success to be defined.

It is unclear how and when the success or otherwise of the SLRF will be demonstrated. An evaluation strategy and accompanying implementation plan should be published.

R5: Update the review of underpinning science.

This is a rapidly evolving field of science which requires regular updating. There should be a commitment to a regular update of available scientific evidence every 4-5 years in a similar form to the Marine Directorate’s 2021 Summary of Science.

8. More detailed reasoning behind these recommendations and their links to the industry-raised concerns are provided in “Summarised: Concerns raised by industry (categorised) and this report’s response” below.