Salmon, Atlantic | Good Fish Guide | The consumer guide to sustainable seafood

Common name - Salmon, Atlantic

Scientific name - Salmo salar

Average rating

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Consumer Information

The Atlantic salmon is one of 4 species of salmonids native to European waters. They move between freshwater and seawater during their lifecycle, as they spawn in freshwater rivers and then migrate to sea. Adult salmon typically return to spawn in their natal rivers after spending up to 3 years at sea. Some die after spawning but a number survive to spawn a 2nd or 3rd time. Wild Atlantic salmon are severely depleted over much of their range, including around the UK. There may be several reasons for this, not least overfishing. Salmon is now, however, widely available thanks to fish farming. Generally, farming of salmon is not sustainable the fish are fed wild-caught fish in their diets, and farming fish poses a number of environmental problems. Buying organically farmed fish ensures their feed is sourced sustainably, stocking densities are reduced and chemical usage minimised. The RSPCA Freedom Foods scheme ensures that high welfare standards are met, including reduced stocking densities. Alternatively, there are 5 species of Pacific salmon. All salmon fisheries in Alaskan waters are certified as sustainably fished by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Look for the Blue Tick logo on the packaging. Salmon is an oily fish, rich in Omega 3. It is also a good source of Vitamin D, phosphorous and calcium. Fresh salmon may be baked, grilled or poached. It is also canned, pickled (gravadlax) or smoked. It is also used as a substitute for sushi and in sashimi.

Summary

When buying farmed salmon, the best choice to make is organic certified. Organic Certification Standards for salmon farming set comprehensive standards for the cultivation of salmon, which includes third party auditing, inspection and enforcement procedures; standards include hatchery production and feed mill operations. Organic standards require that the number of negative environmental impacts associated with salmon farming are addressed in their production standards. Salmon certified by the RSPCA Freedom Foods scheme ensure that high welfare standards during production are met, including reduced stocking densities.

Alternatives

(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)

Arctic char
Chinook Salmon, King Salmon
Chum Salmon, Keta
Coho Salmon, Silver Salmon
Pink Salmon, Spring Salmon
Salmon, Atlantic
Sockeye Salmon, Red Salmon
Trout, Brown or Sea
Trout, Rainbow

Visit Fishonline, the website for the seafood industry, for more detailed information about this species.