The New Fish: The Truth about Farmed Salmon and the Consequences We Can No Longer Ignore

The growth of the salmon farming industry in the early 1970s was a significant innovation in food production, creating jobs and providing a delicious and affordable protein source. However, unintended consequences have arisen, such as the escape of farmed salmon, competing for sustenance with other fish, spreading diseases, and dwindling wild salmon stocks. A new book, "The New Fish," examines Norways role in the global salmon industry and evaluates the detrimental effects of salmon farming, including lice, escapees, waste concentration, and reduced protein reaped from the ocean. The book combines nature writing with literary non-fiction and muckraking to explore the environmental price of engineered fish and encourage understanding of these mistakes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Patagonia Books

Salmon, the beloved fish, has been touted as a health-conscious choice by doctors. However, the question arises: Is the salmon we consume truly nutritious?

In the early 1970s, a group of scientists embarked on a mission to address the growing global population. They turned their attention to the sea, seeking solutions. They embarked on a remarkable journey, collecting genes from salmon in 41 Norwegian and Swedish rivers. Their goal? To create a new breed of salmon that would not only thrive but also grow faster. This groundbreaking innovation marked the birth of a new industry: salmon farming.

The industry swiftly spread its wings, expanding from coastal Norway to Scotland, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Chile, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, and the United States. The business flourished, creating job opportunities and introducing a new culinary delight to people around the world. Grilled, poached, roasted, and even served as sushi and sashimi, farmed salmon became a popular and affordable protein source. People rejoiced in the abundance of this delicious fish.

However, as time passed, unintended consequences emerged. Some of these new salmon, having escaped from their farmed enclosures, found themselves competing for sustenance with other fish in the sea. The introduction of these foreign fish brought with it a host of problems. Diseases spread, salmon louse populations surged, and wild salmon stocks dwindled.

In a groundbreaking five-year investigation, authors Simen Sætre and Kjetil Østli delved deep into Norway's role in the global salmon industry. Their comprehensive evaluation shed light on the detrimental effects of salmon farming. From the challenges of lice control to the impact of concentrated waste from sea pens on wild salmon migration, and even the net reduction of protein reaped from the ocean due to salmon farming practices, the results paint a concerning picture.

Recent victories, such as the ban on net-pen fish farms in the waters of Washington State, serve as a glimmer of hope. It indicates that we are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental price we pay for engineered fish.

As we continue to enjoy the taste and convenience of farmed salmon, it is essential to consider the broader impact on our ecosystems. We must strive for sustainable practices that balance the needs of the fish, the environment, and our own well-being.

In conclusion, while salmon has been praised for its health benefits, it is crucial to examine the unintended consequences of salmon farming. We must embrace sustainable practices and work towards a future where fish and the environment can thrive together.

Weight: 694g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781952338144