Salmon on the Plate, Salmon in the Debate

Salmon is one of the most popular proteins in the world, rich in omega-3s, versatile in the kitchen, and often marketed as a sustainable choice. But as with all foods, we need to look deeper.

Farmed salmon now makes up about 70% of the salmon we eat. The rise of aquaculture has been celebrated for taking pressure off wild fisheries and providing year round supply. At the same time, critics point to water pollution, disease, and ecosystem disruption.

So, is salmon aquaculture really the future of sustainable food? Let’s break down the environmental impact, explore the trade offs, and see how it stacks up in the bigger picture of regenerative food systems.

Why Farmed Salmon Has Appeal

1. Feed Efficiency
Salmon are efficient at turning feed into protein, needing about 1.2 pounds of feed for every pound of weight gain. That is far better than beef cattle or pigs.

2. Lower Carbon Footprint
Studies show that farmed salmon produces greenhouse gases at levels similar to chicken, and far lower than beef or lamb.

3. Less Land and Freshwater Use
Unlike cattle or soybeans, salmon do not require fields or irrigation. Ocean pens and indoor tanks use far less land and water.

4. Year Round Production
Salmon farms can provide consistent protein without relying on dwindling wild fish stocks, potentially easing pressure on ecosystems.

The Environmental Concerns

Feed Sourcing
Salmon are carnivores. Their feed has historically relied on wild caught fish meal and fish oil, raising concerns about overfishing. Although the industry has reduced fish meal usage, sourcing sustainable alternatives like insect or algae protein remains critical.

Waste and Water Pollution
In open ocean pens, uneaten feed and fish waste sink to the seabed, fueling algae growth and depleting oxygen. This can damage marine ecosystems around farm sites.

Disease and Parasites
High density pens create ideal conditions for sea lice and other diseases, which can spread to wild salmon populations. Farmers often rely on chemicals or antibiotics, which carry their own risks.

Escapes
When farmed salmon escape, they can compete with or breed with wild salmon, disrupting fragile populations.

Innovations for a Better Path

Land Based Recirculating Systems, RAS
These closed loop farms filter and recycle nearly all their water, capture waste for fertilizer, and prevent escapes. They require more energy but can be run on renewable power.

Integrated Multi Trophic Aquaculture, IMTA
By farming salmon alongside mussels or seaweed, waste can be absorbed instead of polluting the ocean. Think of it as marine permaculture that mimics natural food webs.

Sustainable Feeds
New feeds using insects, algae, and single cell proteins aim to replace wild fish inputs. This could help salmon farming become a closed nutrient loop.

Salmon vs. Other Proteins

When compared pound for pound:

• Carbon footprint: Salmon is lower than beef and pork, about equal to chicken.

• Land use: Minimal compared to livestock.

• Water use: Significantly less than beef or crops like alfalfa used for dairy.

From a resource efficiency perspective, salmon can be a smart choice, but only if farms manage their waste, escapes, and feed sourcing responsibly.

The Bottom Line, Can Salmon Be Regenerative?

Right now, most salmon farming is not fully regenerative. Open net farms still discharge waste, rely on external feed inputs, and can disrupt wild ecosystems.

But with innovation, land based systems, integrated multi species farms, and sustainable feed, salmon aquaculture could move closer to regenerative principles. Done right, it could provide high quality protein with a smaller footprint than many meats, while leaving land and freshwater for other uses.

For consumers, the key is awareness. Not all salmon farms are equal. Certifications, transparency, and innovation matter. Supporting producers that prioritize environmental responsibility helps push the industry toward a more regenerative future.

Key Takeaways

• Pros: Efficient feed use, lower emissions than beef, less land and water required.

• Cons: Waste pollution, disease, escapes, and reliance on wild fish for feed.

• Solutions: Land based RAS, integrated systems with shellfish and seaweed, and new sustainable feeds.