Canada is a world leader in salmon farming; with the longest coastline of any country on Earth, we also have the greatest aquaculture opportunity in the world. As the global population continues to grow, Canada is in a unique position to provide salmon to the world in a way that creates economic growth in coastal communities and provides a safe, secure food source for Canadians.
Salmon is Canada’s choice when it comes to fish – and for good reason. It is one of the healthiest forms of protein available, benefiting cardiovascular health and cognitive function, lessening inflammation, improving cholesterol, and even helping to improve bone and skin health as we age. Salmon is regarded by many as a superfood that is a good source of Vitamin D & B and Omega-3s. It is a recommended protein in Canada’s New Food Guide.
Canadian salmon farmers are leaders when it comes to food safety. Canada has some of the world’s most rigorous and trusted regulatory standards. Salmon farmers are directed to follow mandatory fish health management guidelines that are set by the Government of Canada and the provinces. Salmon farmers also rely on expert science and innovative technology, as well as in-house veterinarians and biologists who actively monitor and maintain best practices around fish health management.
The biggest difference between farm-raised and wild salmon is that they are typically a different species. Wild-caught salmon may be one of five different Pacific species, including Sockeye, Pink, Coho, Chinook, and Chum; farm-raised salmon is typically the Atlantic species, with some production of Pacific Chinook salmon. With farm-raised salmon, however, you have the benefit of it being fresh and available year-round. In every other major respect, farm-raised and wild salmon are the same, and all very healthy for you.
Peer-reviewed science on the subject maintains that any risk is low. Salmon farmers follow strict regulations set out by the federal and provincial governments – amongst the most rigorous regulatory standards in the world, designed to ensure limited impact of ocean farms on wild salmon and to limit any interactions between wild and farmed salmon.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/cohen/iles-discovery-islands-eng.html
The best way to separate fact from fiction is to follow research based on peer-reviewed science. Research that has not been peer-reviewed or published can be due to disputes among the authors related to the findings, or the fact the research does not meet standards of science.
It is also good to ensure the research is based on recent data, as salmon farming is an innovative means of production that becomes more sustainable every year.
