Although many public misconceptions exist regarding farm versus wild salmon, the USDA Nutrient Database supports the organization’s assertion that farmed salmon is a safe and healthy protein choice.
Salmon of the Americas is an organization that represents North and South American salmon-producing companies. By offering current, factual information about salmon and salmon farming, the organization strives to improve the overall health and awareness of North American consumers. The salmon farming industry ensures sustainability of the renewable resource by providing a high quality product through environmentally friendly practices.
“The farmed salmon industry is up against many negative perceptions, often created by media hype. Salmon of the Americas is pleased to report the most current nutritional information and environmental research data so that all consumers can fully understand the benefits that farmed salmon offers,” says Laura McNauchton of Salmon of the Americas.
One of the biggest misconceptions about farmed salmon is that it does not provide the same quality of nutrients as wild salmon. However, like wild salmon, farmed salmon is low in saturated fat compared to other popular proteins. The rich, pink hue of the farmed fish is created from nature-identical compounds found in the salmon feed. Farmed salmon also has more of the beneficial omega-3 fatty acids than found in most wild salmon varieties. Additionally, Salmon of the Americas reports that through several independent research studies conducted by the FDA, National Cancer Institute and other reputable organizations, the PCB levels in farmed and wild salmon are safely below the tolerance levels set by the FDA.
In addition to the nutritional misconceptions, there is also public confusion surrounding the feed conversion and environmental impact of farmed salmon. Salmon of the Americas confirms with recent studies that farmed salmon actually have a much lower feed conversion ratio than wild salmon. Additionally, extensive water testing on salmon farms has concluded that the process of farming salmon does not negatively impact the overall level of water quality.
Although wild salmon is often considered more natural than farmed salmon, many consumers are unaware that salmon frequently marketed as “wild” actually began their life on a farm. In fact, the majority of wild Alaskan salmon are born in controlled hatcheries and remain there for a duration of 12 months. Although these salmon are not conceived naturally, they are also not classified as “farmed” because once they reach maturity they are released for fishermen to catch. This process, called ocean ranching, has resulted in high returns of adult salmon, which has actually helped to stabilize the inconsistent life cycles of wild salmon.
“Salmon of the Americas is committed to overturning the many misconceptions that surround the salmon farming industry. We strive to raise public awareness of the numerous health and environmental benefits that this renewable resource provides,” says Ms McNauchton.
About Salmon of the Americas: Salmon of the Americas is an ocean farmed salmon trade association representing North and South American salmon producing companies. By providing up-to-date, factual data about salmon farming, the organization strives to create public awareness about the many environmental and health benefits of the renewable resource. To go to the web site, click here.
Health Benefits of Farmed Salmon Confirmed
US - Ocean-farmed salmon trade association, Salmon of the Americas, has announced that the health and environmental benefits from the consumption of farmed salmon are equal to, and often greater than, those of wild salmon.
