One of the most popular types of seafood in North America and around the world, salmon is a tasty and versatile fish that people have enjoyed for years. Easy to prepare, salmon is a common menu item in restaurants everywhere. Each year, it’s one of the biggest sellers at the supermarket’s fish counter.
Atlantic and Pacific Salmon
There are six types of salmon: one Atlantic species and five Pacific species. The Pacific varieties include Chinook (king), sockeye, coho (silver), chum, and pink. All wild salmon caught is of the Pacific variety because Atlantic salmon is not fished commercially in North America, as it is considered an endangered species.
Some Pacific salmon is farmed, but 95% of the farmed salmon in America is Atlantic salmon. Most of it is farm-raised on the Pacific coast of Canada and Chile. Experts have found that Atlantic salmon are more adaptable to farming techniques and are more cost-effective to raise, as they make better use of the feed provided.
Understanding Fresh and Farmed Salmon
Fresh or ‘wild’ salmon refers to any salmon caught in the oceans and rivers of the world, where the fish swim freely. As mentioned earlier, the only type of wild salmon commercially fished is Pacific salmon, as fishing for Atlantic salmon is prohibited.
What is Farmed Salmon?
Farmed salmon is just as the name suggests. At a salmon farm, the fish are kept, fed, and netted. The availability of farmed salmon has made it a popular variety in markets and restaurants, making it one of the most widely consumed types of seafood in North America.
Concerns About Farmed Salmon
You’ve probably heard concerns surrounding several species of fish, including the potential risks of eating salmon raised on farms. The general public is often confused by these warnings, especially since doctors encourage us to eat more fish and less red meat. So, is it safe to eat fish like salmon, despite the health warnings issued by various organizations? And why is farmed salmon a particular concern?
The way farmed salmon are fed is at the center of most concerns regarding this tasty, meaty seafood. Specifically, farm-raised salmon are fed pellets made from concentrated fish products. The fish used to make these pellets are typically gathered from the bottom of fishing nets and are of varieties not sold in your local fish market. These pellets contain all sorts of fish parts, including bones and skin. Unfortunately, the toxins that have built up in the fish’s body also become part of the mix. This is where the concern arises. When farm-raised salmon eat these pellets, their bodies take in concentrated toxins, which get stored in their fat, just beneath the skin. Experts point out that one meal of pellets may contain the dried and compressed body parts and toxins from several whole fish. In contrast, when wild salmon eat other fish, they consume a ‘regular’ (not concentrated) level of toxins.
Should I Eat Farm-Raised Salmon?
The concerns surrounding farm-raised salmon might make some individuals hesitant to include ample portions of fish in their diet. However, fish still plays an important role in your nutritional health, providing low-fat, high-protein meal options.
Most studies regarding farm-raised salmon suggest moderation. Experts recommend no more than one portion of farm-raised salmon per month, while individuals can safely eat up to eight portions of fresh, wild-caught salmon.
When purchasing salmon, be sure to ask what kind you’re getting and plan your meals accordingly. If wild salmon isn’t available in your area, there are several websites where you can order it, although prices may be higher than what you’d pay for fresh salmon at your local grocery store.
