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The Seafood Watch guide advises consumers as to the best salmon choices. (Photo: Seafood Watch)
Seafood Watch recommends avoiding some wild salmon
(UNITED STATES, 6/30/2010)
Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch recommends that consumers "Avoid" wild-caught salmon from California and Oregon south of Point Falcon due to falling stocks of Chinook salmon in these states. There are concerns about bycatch of threatened and endangered salmon species in these fisheries.
Consuming wild-caught Alaska salmon instead remains a "Best Choice" while wild-caught salmon from Washington and Oregon (from north of Point Falcon) are "Good Alternatives."
Seafood Watch urged consumers to beware that different species of salmon are sold under many market names, several being available both farmed and wild. The organisation offers a pocket guide to help consumers find the "Best Choices."
Salmon populations in California, Oregon and Washington have all dropped dramatically due to habitat loss, climatic changes, overfishing and other factors.
Salmon are born in freshwater and migrate to the ocean to mature before being caught. But when freshwater rivers and streams are impacted through dam construction, water diversions, deforestation and urban development, salmon populations suffer.
Nearly 30 populations of salmon and steelhead are on the Endangered Species List in California, Oregon and Washington. These endangered fish are caught as bycatch by fishers targeting other salmon species.
Fisheries management has not stopped the long-term decline of several salmon species in California, Oregon and Washington. Generally, salmon stocks caught in Washington and Oregon (north of Cape Falcon) are moderately healthy, while the major population in both California and Oregon fisheries (south of Cape Falcon) is severely depleted.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) closed the commercial salmon fisheries south of Cape Falcon for the 2008 and 2009 fishing seasons because of remarkably low Chinook and coho populations. PFMC’s decision to open the season this year despite the record low salmon numbers has made many doubt the council’s effectiveness, Seafood Watch said.
In contrast, wild salmon populations in Alaska are healthy and well-managed.
Nancy Fitzpatrick, the Oregon Salmon Commission's administrator, said her group was "astounded" by the organisation’s recommendation. Although many store buyers will not alter their purchases based on the recommendation, she said, "ultimately, this will cause a lot of confusion for the public."
Donald McIsaac, PFMC’s executive director, questioned why "somebody in Monterey" was doubting the council's science. PFMC chose the most conservative option short of banning ocean fishing south of Cape Falcon for a third year, he told, reports The Oregonian.
"Given the (scientific advice) and the economic calamity up and down the coast, the council just felt it would be irresponsible to be even more precautionary than they were," McIsaac stated.
Related articles:
- West Coast salmon fishery open for first time since 2007
- Officials wary about West Coast salmon season
By Natalia Real
editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media
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