Stewardship Tip Sep 28th, 2010- Wild Salmon
Wild, Alaskan salmon is a sustainable resource. The seasons and catch rates for this population have been, and continue to be, intensely managed. This has had a positive affect. According to Matthew Elliot, a researcher for Seafood Watch, “Alaskan salmon…appear to be in robust health, with record abundance and harvests over the past two decades.”
We can help to maintain this stable, sustainable population by eating wild Alaskan salmon. When we select wild, Alaskan salmon, we are supporting a fishery that is committed to maintaining sustainable populations.
At the market or in the grocery store, salmon is usually clearly marked. Look for salmon that is labeled “wild Alaskan” or “wild caught Alaskan.” Many vendors, such as Target, have taken the extra step and are now stocking wild caught Alaskan salmon exclusively.
There are additional reasons to buy wild. Alaskan salmon in particular, and Pacific salmon in general are under threat. Large salmon farms in the Pacific Northwest have created problems for the native stock…
The lights and feed in farm pens often attract wild smolts which become food for the penned salmon.
Many Pacific salmon farms raise Atlantic salmon. Escapees threaten wild salmon populations with genetic dilution.
The crowded conditions of salmon farming pens provide ideal conditions for the outbreak of parasites and disease such as infectious salmon anemia. A recent outbreak in Chile sent their industry in to a downward spiral.
When you buy salmon in the store, look for wild, Alaskan salmon. Avoid “farm raised” salmon. Also,not all wild salmon come from sustainable sources. As Elliot notes, “chinook, coho, sockeye, and pink salmon stocks in Calfornia, Oregon, and Washington have been significantly depleted.” Make sure that the “wild” salmon that you are buying is, indeed, from Alaska.
The next time you’re in the market for salmon, select wild salmon caught in Alaska. You will be helping to save our valuable salmon population.
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Rising demand for our weekly Stewardship Tip and a new partnership with Fly Cast America now makes the Stewardship Tip available in Spanish. Ahora, reciba el Stewardship Tip en español. Gentileza de Fly Cast America.
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