The purpose of the study was to increase the national productivity and product quality of farmed salmon through effective salmon health management. Researchers sampled over 1800 farmed salmon and trout over three years at a number of marine farm sites in Washington State. Necropsies were conducted on sampled fish and tissues preserved for histological analysis.  In addition, virological, bacteriological, and other analyses were performed. Mortality data was collected at selected sites.  Furunculosis was considered the most important disease of Atlantic salmon in seawater. The incidence of other diseases was cataloged; however, researchers found no viral diseases or diseases exotic to the region. Seven veterinary students or graduate veterinarians received training in salmon health management. A "Best Practices Manual" was prepared describing preventative measures to minimize disease at salmon farm sites.