An Endangered Species
At the core of the issue is the critically low population of wild Atlantic salmon. In the United States, the remaining populations are found almost exclusively in a few rivers in Maine and are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Globally, populations have also seen significant declines. In 2023, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reclassified wild Atlantic salmon in Great Britain as endangered due to a 30-50% decline in population since 2006. These severe declines have prompted protective measures across various countries.
Commercial Fishing Bans and Conservation Efforts
In the U.S. and many other regions, commercial and recreational fishing for wild, sea-run Atlantic salmon is illegal. This complete prohibition is a crucial tool for fishery managers to help the species recover and prevent its extinction. Conservation efforts, primarily led by organizations like NOAA Fisheries and the Atlantic Salmon Trust, are focused on multiple fronts. These include habitat restoration, dam removals to increase spawning access, water quality improvements, and international cooperation to manage fisheries at sea. For example, the removal of the Veazie Dam on Maine’s Penobscot River has been a major step toward restoring migratory access.
The Historical and Modern Causes of Population Decline
The wild Atlantic salmon's decline is not the result of a single factor but a combination of historical and contemporary pressures. A list of these threats includes:
- Overfishing: Decades of intense commercial and recreational fishing in the 19th and 20th centuries significantly depleted stocks before comprehensive regulations were in place.
- Habitat Destruction: Widespread industrial and agricultural development led to habitat loss, increased pollution, and siltation of rivers, which harms salmon spawning grounds.
- Dams and Barriers: The construction of dams and other barriers across rivers has historically blocked salmon access to vital upstream spawning and rearing habitats. While some have fishways, many still pose significant obstacles.
- Low Marine Survival: Scientists have observed a substantial drop in marine survival rates since the late 1980s, driven by factors like climate change, changes in predator-prey dynamics, and disease.
- Aquaculture Impacts: The rapidly growing farmed salmon industry can negatively impact wild populations through the spread of diseases (like sea lice), parasites, and genetic dilution if farmed salmon escape and interbreed with wild stock.
The Role of Farmed Atlantic Salmon
With wild Atlantic salmon off the menu, the global market demand is met almost entirely by farmed Atlantic salmon, which accounts for the vast majority of all salmon sold. Aquaculture farms, predominantly in countries like Norway, Chile, and Scotland, raise Atlantic salmon in controlled environments. This has alleviated fishing pressure on wild populations but has also raised its own set of issues concerning environmental impact, such as water pollution and antibiotic use. Responsible farming practices, however, are improving, with certifications available to guide consumers towards better choices.
Wild vs. Farmed: A Quick Comparison
| Feature | Wild Atlantic Salmon (Unavailable) | Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Common) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Not for commercial or recreational harvest. | Available year-round and widely accessible. |
| Status | Endangered in many regions, subject to fishing bans. | Commercially viable due to farming practices. |
| Diet | Natural diet of krill, plankton, and invertebrates. | Controlled pellet feed, often containing plant-based ingredients and fishmeal. |
| Flavor/Texture | Robust, complex flavor; leaner, firmer flesh. | Milder flavor; fattier, more tender flesh. |
| Color | Deep red-orange from natural diet (astaxanthin). | Paler pink color, often enhanced by adding astaxanthin to feed. |
What About Other 'Wild' Salmon?
It is important to remember that not all wild salmon is off-limits. The term "wild salmon" almost always refers to Pacific salmon species, such as Chinook (King), Sockeye, Coho, Pink, and Chum. Alaskan salmon fisheries, in particular, are renowned for their robust, sustainably managed wild stocks, providing a healthy and environmentally conscious wild-caught option. When you see "wild-caught salmon" at a grocery store, it is highly likely to be one of these Pacific species, not Atlantic.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the inability to purchase wild-caught Atlantic salmon is a direct result of decades of overexploitation and habitat degradation, pushing the species to the brink of extinction. Commercial fishing prohibitions are a necessary conservation measure to give the remaining wild populations a chance to recover. While the market is now dominated by farmed Atlantic salmon, understanding the difference is key to making an informed and sustainable choice. Consumers can support the recovery of wild Atlantic salmon by choosing certified sustainable Pacific salmon or responsibly farmed alternatives.
Support Wild Salmon Conservation
To learn more about ongoing efforts and how to help protect this iconic species, visit the Atlantic Salmon Trust at https://atlanticsalmontrust.org/.
