Where does most salmon in the USA come from?

December 1, 2025 •

2 min read

Surprisingly, a significant portion of the salmon consumed in the USA is farm-raised and imported, rather than wild-caught from American waters. This reveals a complex supply chain when asking where does most salmon in the USA come from, highlighting the roles of both domestic fisheries and international aquaculture.

Quick Summary

Most salmon in the USA is farmed and imported from countries like Chile and Norway. Wild-caught supply, primarily from Alaska, is the other major component of the market.

Key Points

Source of Origin: Most salmon consumed in the USA is farm-raised and imported, primarily from Chile, Norway, and Canada.
Wild Salmon Hub: Alaska is the dominant domestic source, providing approximately 80% of the USA's wild-caught salmon.
Species Differences: Farmed salmon is typically the fattier Atlantic species, while wild salmon from Alaska includes Pacific species like Sockeye and Chinook.
Flavor and Texture: Wild salmon is leaner and has a more complex flavor, while farmed salmon has a milder, richer taste due to higher fat content.
Color Variation: The vibrant red color of wild salmon comes from its natural diet of crustaceans, while farmed salmon's color is often influenced by additives in its feed.
Sustainability and Regulation: Alaskan wild salmon fisheries are sustainably managed, unlike wild Atlantic stocks which are endangered. Sustainable certification is also available for some farmed salmon.

The Dominance of Farmed vs. Wild Salmon

When examining where most salmon in the USA comes from, a critical distinction must be made between farm-raised and wild-caught fish. While wild salmon, primarily from Alaskan waters, is highly valued, the majority of the salmon found in U.S. supermarkets is farm-raised and imported. This creates a dual market, with different sourcing, nutritional profiles, and environmental considerations for each type of salmon. The supply chain for American consumers is a blend of domestically caught Pacific salmon and foreign-produced Atlantic salmon, with imports playing a larger role overall.

The Source of Wild-Caught Salmon

Alaska is the most important domestic source of wild-caught salmon, accounting for about 80% of the total U.S. harvest. The state's sustainably managed fisheries harvest five different species of Pacific salmon, including Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, Pink, and Chum. The Bristol Bay region, known for its large sockeye run, is a key area for Alaska's wild fishing industry.

The International Origin of Farmed Salmon

The majority of farmed salmon consumed in the U.S. is imported. According to research, two-thirds of the U.S. supply comes from farms primarily in Chile, Norway, and Canada. Chile is the leading source of farmed salmon imported into the U.S.. These operations mostly involve Atlantic salmon, using controlled aquaculture to meet consistent demand. In contrast, fishing for wild Atlantic salmon is largely prohibited in the U.S. due to its endangered status. While the U.S. has some aquaculture operations, including land-based farms, imports dominate the market.

Understanding the Difference: Wild vs. Farmed

Consumers choosing between wild and farmed salmon face differences in flavor, texture, and nutrition.


Feature	Wild-Caught Salmon (e.g., Alaskan)	Farm-Raised Salmon (e.g., Chilean, Norwegian)
Sourcing	Harvested from natural habitats.	Raised in controlled aquaculture.
Diet	Natural diet.	Processed feed.
Fat Content	Generally leaner.	Fattier.
Flavor Profile	Bolder flavor.	Milder taste.
Flesh Color	Deeper pink/red from natural diet.	Paler pink/orange, color often enhanced.
Texture	Firmer.	Softer.
Seasonality	Seasonal.	Available year-round.

Why Wild and Farmed coexist in the USA market

Wild and farmed salmon coexist due to consumer demand, economics, and environmental factors. Farmed salmon offers a consistent, affordable, year-round product. Wild salmon is valued for its flavor and sustainable attributes, driving demand for the seasonal Alaskan catch. This dynamic provides consumer choice, emphasizing the importance of understanding the origin.

Conclusion

While Alaska is the primary source of domestic wild-caught Pacific salmon, the majority of salmon purchased by Americans is farm-raised and imported, mainly from Chile and Norway. This means the U.S. salmon market is a mix of sustainable wild fisheries and large-scale international aquaculture. Understanding these sources helps consumers make informed choices.

NOAA Fisheries provides additional information on fisheries management and species conservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chile is the leading source of farmed salmon imported into the United United States.

Yes, nearly all Atlantic salmon available in U.S. markets is farm-raised. Commercial fishing for wild Atlantic salmon is prohibited due to its endangered status.

Alaska is the top source for wild-caught salmon in the United States, producing about 80% of the total wild harvest.

Wild salmon has a deeper red color from its natural diet of crustaceans. Farmed salmon is generally paler and often supplemented with carotenoids to achieve a more pinkish hue.

Farmed salmon is typically less expensive because it can be produced year-round in controlled environments, which helps lower production costs and ensures a more consistent supply.

Yes, some U.S. aquaculture operations raise salmon. For example, some land-based farms operate in states like Wisconsin, and some coastal farms exist in Maine and Washington.

Both wild and farmed salmon are nutritious. Wild salmon is generally leaner, while farmed salmon is fattier. The nutritional profile varies slightly depending on diet and sourcing, but both are excellent sources of omega-3s and other nutrients.