<< back to table of contents

The Salmon Aquaculture Debate (by Michael Chong)

Centuries ago, we ran across open plains chasing wild animals and slaughtering them for food. We dived into open waters to spear fresh fish and ripped wild plants from their roots for food. But why spend all the time to try and find food when you can make it yourself? Hence, the barbaric rituals of the past are long gone and human food needs are no longer an individual effort. Farms span the once open plains and we have an added benefit; we can spend our time doing fun things while leaving the hard work for somebody else. Everything was going well as long as there was a good harvest in September. Supply would meet demand and farmers would strike it rich. Then there were the bad years; droughts, storms, and pests plagued the lands leaving many without money and food.

To overcome the natural disasters, twentieth century scientists developed resistant crops better suited to harsh conditions. Once again, science and technology saved the day, but not without a price. Modified foods’ effects on health raised consumer awareness and debate. The government then countered with guidelines on what processes can or cannot be used in farming. Consequently, monitors and checks are constantly made to ensure product quality. That did not satisfy everyone, as more wondered how these processes could harm the fresh air we breathe and the wildlife we live with. Thus the government came up with more tests and checks to ensure that. On the debate for and against salmon aquaculture or salmon farming these are the controversial points that make news.

The health conscious person today tries to eat things to keep fit, such as nutritional vegetables and fruits, adequate meat and fish, vitamin supplements, and so on. He or she stays away from the fatty, high cholesterol fried chicken balls and the tub of ice cream in the fridge. However, their beliefs are sometimes proven wrong: they hear about higher levels of PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) in farmed salmon compared to their wild counterparts. They are shocked to learn that a nutritious salmon has become poisonous and they have been eating it for years.

Doing some research leads to the knowledge that PCBs exist in almost all the foods eaten. However, it is enough to hold a debate and demand the government to impose stricter regulations on accepted levels so that we are not harmed. A recent press release indicates that through testing, the levels of PCBs in salmon are safe to consume if consumed in moderation.

With that settled, we look towards the millions of dollars spent towards cleaning up our rivers and lakes. Pollution troubles began as early as the technological era but we just haven’t taken it into too much consideration. As smoke rises into the atmosphere from the industrial plants we wonder how much this Earth can take before it is uninhabitable. So when the environmentalists hear about fish farms dumping large amounts of fish excrement into the sea, a new problem is raised. The argument is the fish produce so much waste that it raises the nitrogen levels in the surrounding ecosystem, encouraging bacteria and algae growth while at the same time crowding out other species of fish. Companies claim that they maintain a clean environment both in their fish pens and the outer waters. Once again, the government intrudes somewhat on the matter and attempts to control the waste levels. The move is good enough for some, while others look to use this point to ban fish farms altogether. It comes down to a tug-o-war between the lobbyists and the companies, with the government stuck in the middle.

One last major argument against fish farms is biological more than anything else. Competition between companies means bigger fish and less time to grow them. Like seedless watermelon and golden yellow corn, these salmon are bred so that the best characteristics of them are expressed in the next generation. In addition, farms may use ‘artificial’ ways to speed growth, such as feeding growth hormones to them. When the haul is over, all the fish are juicy, tender and naturally delicious. Some argue that these salmon are modified foods and pose a certain threat to health.

The bigger perspective is that of genetic diversity and the potential harm to wildlife. Accounts of fish escaping from pens, though seldom, have occurred in the past. If enough escape, it can be a significant threat to other species of salmon. In addition, farmed salmon are equipped with antibiotics to resist disease. In farms, salmon live in large packs and experience stress, which increases risk of sickness. This results in the diseases being present within the salmon population but not harming the fish itself. From excrement or escape, the diseases can be passed to wild salmon not able to control the pathogen and thus, spread it to other aquatic life.

We all look for a compromise issued by governments to protect the interests of everyone. Businesses wish their profits to be maximized, environmentalists hope for a healthy natural world, while consumers wish foods to be safe to eat. Reality is far from the utopian society we look for. Perhaps there is a better way to feed the billion people in the world. A debate that has proven itself to be virtually unstoppable will continue to raise new issues. This year, salmon is hot, while next year, another food will be in the limelight. The choice of what to eat is always yours.

Sources

“Government of Canada Assures Public That Farmed and Wild Salmon Are Safe to Consume.” Fisheries and Oceans Canada. 17 August 2004. 25 August 2004. <http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/media/newsrel/2004/hq-ac77_e.htm>.

Carmichael, A. “B.C. approves controversial fish farm near Alaska where practice is illegal.” Canada.com. 26 August 2004. 26 August 2004. <http://www.canada.com/news/agriculture/story.html?id=8e9efdaf-00bd-
40a6-acee-86904001b6ff>.

Moore, P. Ph.D. “Eco-imperialism and the Anti-aquaculture Movement” Northern Aquaculture. August 2004. 25 August 2004. <http://www.naqua.com/feat.html>.

“Salmon Aquaculture Industry.” BC Ministry of Agriculutre, Food and Fisheries. 26 August 2004. <http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/fisheries/bcsalmon_aqua.htm>.

Mitchell, H., Brackett, J., Hicks, B. “The Environmental Impact Of Salmon Farms.” The Washington Fish Growers Association. 24 April 2003. 25 August 2004. <http://www.wfga.net/issues.asp?id=37>.

Salmon of the Americas. 2004. 25 August 2004. <http://www.salmonoftheamericas.com/index.html>.

<< back to table of contents