(BPT) - There are many reasons to feel good about consuming farmed salmon from Chile. According to researchers, farmed salmon is one of the healthiest and most environmentally friendly proteins you can eat. The USDA recommends that Americans increase consumption of fatty fish like salmon as part of a healthy diet. To learn more, here are some truths about farmed salmon that help set the record straight.
Farmed salmon: A sustainable animal protein when it comes to emissions
As the planet warms and the global population grows, producing food as sustainably as possible is important. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reports that less than 2% of the world’s oceans are dedicated to aquaculture yet farmed salmon has the lowest carbon footprint of all animal proteins.
This is because research from Johns Hopkins University found that farmed salmon — including salmon from Chile — contains more edible protein than other animals while requiring less feed and other inputs to grow. This makes salmon’s environmental impact four times smaller than pork’s and eight times smaller than cattle’s. According to a 2018 analysis by the National Centre for Scientific Research, farmed salmon produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions per 100 grams of protein (5.98 kg) than beef (49.9 kg).
Salmon’s overlooked health benefits
Chilean salmon is a nutritional powerhouse packed with high-quality protein and important nutrients, such as vitamin D and anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that eating fatty fish like salmon may decrease the risk for heart disease, some autoimmune conditions, depression and cognitive decline, while improving eye health and sleep quality.
Because of these many benefits, the USDA’s 2020 Dietary Guidelines recommend that Americans consume seafood two to three times per week, yet 80% of the adult population falls short of meeting that recommendation. The Food and Drug Administration considers farmed salmon a safe choice for the whole family, including pregnant women and children, thanks to its low levels of mercury and exceptionally high omega-3 fat content.
The world needs more aquaculture, not less — according to the U.N.
Aquaculture can help protect the ocean from overfishing, preserving important marine species, while also helping to feed a global population expected to reach 10 billion people by 2050. That’s precisely why organizations like the United Nations are working to expand global aquaculture, including salmon production. The UN’s “blue transformation” aims to increase global aquaculture production between 35% and 40% by 2030.
As salmon farmers work toward this sustainability goal, they are constantly improving their practices to keep fish healthy and safeguard the oceans they depend on. Examples include vaccination programs to prevent disease spread and extensive monitoring programs to ensure optimal conditions for the fish they raise. To hold itself accountable, the industry has partnered with conservation groups to help each farm adhere to these high environmental standards.
To learn more, visit ChileanSalmon.org.
