Researchers develop eco-friendly treatment for parasitic copepods in squid aquaculture

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) researchers discovered a new species of parasitic copepod responsible for high mortality rates in squid eggs and developed an eco-friendly treatment. Their findings, published in Scientific Reports, reveal that peracetic acid (PAA) effectively eliminates the parasites without harming the squids or the environment. The copepod, Ikanecator primus, was found to damage eggs and hatchlings, leading to bacterial infections. The collaborative effort combined aquaculture, veterinary science, and molecular biology to identify and combat the threat. The patented PAA treatment aims to improve squid health in this nascent aquaculture sub-sector, benefiting both research and commercial sectors. (Science Blog)