The impact of salmon farming on British Columbia's wild salmon stocks has become a hot topic. We hope that the following links and information will help you to see that salmon aquaculture is an environmentally sustainable industry.

Why farm Atlantic salmon in BC?
There are six species of native Pacific salmon, and although they look similar to their Atlantic cousins there are significant differences. Atlantic salmon are more docile and have a longer history of domestication, making them better adapted to a farm setting. Atlantic salmon have high survival rates, convert food to body weight very efficiently, and produce high quality products with very little processing waste. Several BC farms do continue to raise Pacific species, and over time these stocks are becoming better adapted to the farm setting. However, it is doubtful that Pacific salmon will ever completely catch up to the performance of the naturally docile and efficient Atlantic salmon.

Links related to Atlantic Salmon:

On the Risk of Colonization by Atlantic Salmon in BC Waters (BCSFA)

Industry Fact Sheets (BCSFA)

Salmon Farms and Wild Stock can Co-exist (BCSFA)

Salmon, Sea Lice and Science (Video - BCSFA)

Department of Fisheries and Oceans Statement on Sea Lice and Pacific Salmon Stocks (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)

Food Safety
Farm salmon are fresh, healthy products, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which can keep our bodies and minds healthy. Salmon farmers work with government inspectors and researchers to ensure farm salmon meets the highest standards for quality and freshness.

Links related to Food Safety:

Food Safety (BCSFA)

Astaxanthin in Foods (From Astaxanthin.org)

Fact Sheet on Malachite Green (Food Safety Network)

New Studies Show PCB Levels in Farmed Salmon Comparable to Wild (BCSFA)

Government of Canada Assures Public that Farmed and Wild Salmon are Safe to Consume (Fisheries and Oceans Canada)