Ed P
2025-01-12 04:20:35 UTC
https://www.realsimple.com/wild-caught-vs-farm-raised-salmon-8770630
Salmon is one of the top seafood choices among Americans. In fact,
according to data presented at the Global Seafood Market Conference last
year, this bright pink fish is the third most popular option in the U.S.
But with this popularity comes discussions about which salmon variety is
the healthiest and most sustainable—for both us and the planet.
Which Is the Better Choice?
So, between farm-raised and wild-caught salmon, which is the better
all-around choice?
While farmed salmon often has higher omega-3 fatty acid content, it also
can contain more saturated fat. Otherwise, the nutrition profiles of
these two salmon varieties are generally quite similar, offering much of
the same health benefits.
On the sustainability front, while wild salmon can have lower
environmental impacts compared to many farmed options, overfishing is a
serious global issue, with the World Bank citing nearly 90% of global
fish stocks being overfished in 2017. Interestingly, certain fish
farming operations can be quite sustainable, especially those employing
circular practices where waste and water are repurposed and reused.
Though this isn’t always the case, with other operations taking a
serious toll on their surrounding environments.
Thankfully, organizations like Seafood Watch, ASC, and the Marine
Stewardship Council (MSC) can help you make smarter purchasing
decisions. “Seafood Watch has recommendations for a variety of types of
salmon on their website and many supermarkets, such as Whole Foods,
follow Seafood Watch recommendations, making it easier for consumers to
make better choices in their purchases,” Palmer shares.
Price is also a factor here. Some wild-caught options simply aren’t in
the budget of many Americans—an obvious leg up for farmed salmon.
Given that farmed salmon can offer slightly better nutrition, can be
raised in a sustainable fashion, and is more affordable, it is
ultimately a better choice for many in the U.S.—as long as it is
certified by ASC or a similar organization. That said, ethically-caught
wild salmon (look for terms like pole-and-line-caught, pole caught,
troll-caught, and free school when shopping) can also be a healthy
choice for us and the planet, particularly if enjoyed occasionally.
Salmon is one of the top seafood choices among Americans. In fact,
according to data presented at the Global Seafood Market Conference last
year, this bright pink fish is the third most popular option in the U.S.
But with this popularity comes discussions about which salmon variety is
the healthiest and most sustainable—for both us and the planet.
Which Is the Better Choice?
So, between farm-raised and wild-caught salmon, which is the better
all-around choice?
While farmed salmon often has higher omega-3 fatty acid content, it also
can contain more saturated fat. Otherwise, the nutrition profiles of
these two salmon varieties are generally quite similar, offering much of
the same health benefits.
On the sustainability front, while wild salmon can have lower
environmental impacts compared to many farmed options, overfishing is a
serious global issue, with the World Bank citing nearly 90% of global
fish stocks being overfished in 2017. Interestingly, certain fish
farming operations can be quite sustainable, especially those employing
circular practices where waste and water are repurposed and reused.
Though this isn’t always the case, with other operations taking a
serious toll on their surrounding environments.
Thankfully, organizations like Seafood Watch, ASC, and the Marine
Stewardship Council (MSC) can help you make smarter purchasing
decisions. “Seafood Watch has recommendations for a variety of types of
salmon on their website and many supermarkets, such as Whole Foods,
follow Seafood Watch recommendations, making it easier for consumers to
make better choices in their purchases,” Palmer shares.
Price is also a factor here. Some wild-caught options simply aren’t in
the budget of many Americans—an obvious leg up for farmed salmon.
Given that farmed salmon can offer slightly better nutrition, can be
raised in a sustainable fashion, and is more affordable, it is
ultimately a better choice for many in the U.S.—as long as it is
certified by ASC or a similar organization. That said, ethically-caught
wild salmon (look for terms like pole-and-line-caught, pole caught,
troll-caught, and free school when shopping) can also be a healthy
choice for us and the planet, particularly if enjoyed occasionally.
