Sea lice management measures for farmed salmon production: research

8. Appendix

Ethical aspects of data collection/storage/analysis/reporting

In terms of the general ethical principles which will directly underpin the research being proposed, the research is GDPR compliant and followed the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system for auditing experimental and analytical practices, laboratory books and standard operating procedures (SOPs) as part of SAC’s (and sub-contractors) research management system. 

For  primary data collection (i.e. interviews), a Participant Information Sheet was provided to participants that included: (a) enough information, in lay language, for the participant to understand what the project is about and what is required of them so that they can give informed consent; (b) details of who they can contact for more information and who is the organisation overseeing the research; and (c) assurances that their data will be held securely and treated correctly.

In the analysis of interviews data, we have ensured that all identifiable information was removed, and that interviewees were assigned a category rather than an individual or institutional label. 

Where privacy could not be preserved within the research group, i.e. the participatory workshop, the individual opinions and responses of participants were treated in confidence. 

Input and output data management comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Standard operating procedures for handling, archiving and backing up data were followed. The team have adhered to relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding: Data generation and secure data storage to ensure data quality and security; Data confidentiality and sharing; and Publication of data and associated Intellectual Property assignations.

This research was conducted to avoid or minimise social harm to groups and individuals. Research was designed responsibly with the appropriate methodologies. We ensured that research participation was voluntary on the basis of informed consent. We also ensured that the views of all relevant stakeholders were taken into account. 

We will ensure that research results presented in the final report, especially the executive summary and discussion of results, are accessible to the relevant stakeholders. 

The project activities have been congruent with SRUC’s sustainability/corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives and will contribute to the Scottish Government Sustainability targets.

Survey of Scottish salmon producers on sea lice treatments for farmed salmon production 

Questionnaire to farm health manager

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is conducting research supported by Scottish Government funding to understand the relative cost-effectiveness of sea lice treatments for farmed salmon production. The purpose of this survey is to help inform the Scottish Government how best it can target and improve investment in research and development of the available and emerging treatment options.

Participation in the survey is voluntary and the face-to-face interview should take about 30’ to complete. We emphasise that only SRUC team has access to your data and this is not shared with the funder (Scottish Government) or anyone else. We confirm that all information given will be totally anonymous in any subsequent reports or publications, that you and your business will never be individually identifiable, and that the data will be stored and handled in accordance to the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679, which also means that individual data will be deleted as soon as the analysis is completed. You are free to opt out at any time and are not obliged to answer any question you do not want to.

Survey of Scottish salmon producers on sea lice treatments for farmed salmon production

Questionnaire to farm site manager (or health manager if farm site manager unable to answer)

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is conducting research supported by Scottish Government funding to understand the relative cost-effectiveness of sea lice treatments for farmed salmon production. The purpose of this survey is to help inform the Scottish Government how best it can target and improve investment in research and development of the available and emerging treatment options.

Participation in the survey is voluntary and the face-to-face interview should take about 30’ to complete. We emphasise that only SRUC team has access to your data and this is not shared with the funder (Scottish Government) or anyone else. We confirm that all information given will be totally anonymous in any subsequent reports or publications, that you and your business will never be individually identifiable, and that the data will be stored and handled in accordance to the General Data Protection Regulation 2016/679, which also means that individual data will be deleted as soon as the analysis is completed. You are free to opt out at any time and are not obliged to answer any question you do not want to.

Schedule of the participatory workshop on sea lice control in salmon primary production

Time: 11:00 – 11:15

Topic - Welcome refreshments & introduction of participants

Time: 11:15 – 11:30

Topic  - Aims & expectations

Time: 11:30 – 11:45

Topic - Salmon supply chain process flow validation

Time: 11:45 – 12:15

Topic - Session 1 Dynamic modelling: causes & implications (25mins + 5 mins break) 

Time: 12:15 – 12:45

Topic - Session 2 Dynamic modelling: causes & implications (30mins)

Time: 12:45 – 13:30

Topic - Lunch

Time: 13:30 – 14:00

Topic - Session 3 Dynamic modelling: connecting causes (25mins + 5 mins break)

Time: 14:00 – 14:30

Topic - Session 4 Dynamic modelling: interventions & effects (25 mins + 5 mins break) 

Time: 14:30 – 15:00

Topic - Discussion of cost-effectiveness modelling assumptions & data 

Time: 15:00

Topic - Workshop close, refreshments