Farm Salmon Research Paper

Olivia Bucher
March 8, 2013
Biology 160

Farm-Raised Salmon:
Are The Economical Benefits Worth The Health Risks?

Salmon is one of the most common farmed fish along with tilapia and trout. (Anon.,2007) The industry generates billions of dollars each year. With medical professionals advocating consumers to eat a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy heart and low blood pressure, the demand for salmon is at an all time high. (Anon., 2004) Farmed salmon can provide an affordable heart healthy fish to the masses year round. But, is farmed salmon really healthy enough for the populace to consume? According to numerous resources, farmed salmon contain high levels of PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls), which have been “linked to reproductive
PCBs are man-made chemicals used in electrical equipment and as additives to paint, plastics and other products. (Houlihan, 2003) Unfortunately, they are now found in today’s farm-raised salmon. (Anon., 2004) PCBs stick to soil and sediment and can also travel through the air. High doses can kill fish. PCBs are also said to be persistent, cancer-causing chemicals that contaminate the environment and food supply. Farmed salmon accumulate PCBs from the fishmeal they are fed. The feed usually consists of small ground up fish like herring and anchovies, which are high in oil and fats. Salmon feed is contaminated with high levels of PCBs as they tend to fester in oils and fats. Farmed fish are exposed to leaky old equipment and incinerators that will contaminate the feed with PCBs. Wild salmon and other ocean mammals such as seals can also accumulate PCBs as a side effect of industries and their pollutants and run-off, but in low and harmless levels. (Houlihan, 2003) “If farmed salmon with the average PCB level were caught in the wild, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) advice would be to restrict consumption to no more than one meal a month. But, because farmed salmon are bought, not caught, their consumption is not restricted in any way.” (Houlihan, 2003) Apparently, salmon were not always such a big part of the U.S. diet and the Food and Drug Administration has not updated its PCBs health limit for
Farm-raised salmon may cost significantly less and may come from a respectable and conscientious farm, but I would rather not take the risk of consuming a product if there is even a chance of high PCBs levels that could cause reproduction challenges or even cancer. If PCBs can travel in air and soil, I must be exposed to them daily, but why would I knowingly put them into my body? I feel it is very important to know where all of the food I consume comes from, which is why my favorite salmon to eat is the one that is caught right before my eyes. Though, I have not yet hooked one myself, my companions have had the good fortune to catch salmon in the Nooksack River. I will also happily support wild Alaskan salmon fishermen by purchasing the very expensive and low risk choice of heart healthy fish! I encourage every person to take a closer look at what they are consuming and know the facts. After all, you are what you