Recently, skin ulcers in flatfish have been observed with increased incidence in the Nord Sea. The etiology of such lesions are diverse and can be attributed to infections with pathogens, trauma, pollution and inadequate water parameters. However, it is not yet known which factors are involved in the lesions observed. The purpose of the research is to gain better insights in the factor(s) causing the skin ulcers.
The effects on marine organisms (firstbullet point above) receives primary attention from a fishery’s perspective and has therefore been extended to investigate the development of skin ulcerations in the North Sea. Recently, an increased incidence of skin ulcerations in flatfish is observed in the North Sea. The exact etiology of such lesions is, until now, not completely knowand can be attributed to, for example, infections with pathogens, trauma, pollution, inadequate water parameters and/or influence of fishery.
