Low light intensity can reduce Atlantic salmon smolt quality

The objective of this study has been to investigate the effect of light intensity (10, 21, 43, 200 and 650 lx) during smolting and its potential influence on gill Na+,K+-ATPase (NKA) activity, endocrinology, ion regulation, growth, morphology, and spinal development in Atlantic salmon. Gill Na+,K+-ATPase activity, plasma glucose and blood PCO2 were all affected by time (study duration 176 days), while no differences were seen as a result of the different light intensity treatments. Growth rate was positively correlated to light intensity. Lower body silvering index, reduced fin area (5–7% lower in the 10 and 21 lux groups) and increased percentage of skeletal abnormalities (6.9% in the 10 lux group vs. 1% in the 650 lux group) at low light intensity were seen. In a second experiment juvenile Atlantic salmon parr were reared in August at LD12:12, at either 1 lx or 1000 lx and circulating plasma thyroxin (FT) levels measured. Plasma FT4 levels remained low in the low light intensity group (1 lx), whereas FT4 levels increased significantly from 2 to 5 h in the high intensity group (1000 lx). Total T4 levels were nearly 2-fold higher 5 h after lights-on in the high intensity group compared with the low. Overall, the present data suggests that a minimum light intensity of 43 lx is needed to secure optimal smolt quality, development, welfare and growth in Atlantic salmon.

► We investigate the effect of light intensity during smolting in Atlantic salmon.
► Growth rate was positively correlated to light intensity.
► Low light intensity leads to increased percentage of skeletal abnormalities.
► Thyroxin levels in plasma were higher at high light intensity.
► A minimum of 43 lx is needed to secure optimal smolt quality in Atlantic salmon.