Confused about salmon?

I don’t blame you.

Tasmanian? Atlantic? Wild-caught? Canned? Farmed?

Atlantic salmon originates from the North Atlantic Ocean + the rivers that flow into it. This includes North America, Iceland, Greenland, Europe + Russia. Due to decreasing populations, this species is now mostly farmed - in locations all around the world.

Tasmanian salmon is simply Atlantic salmon that has been introduced into farms off the coast of Tasmania, Australia. There are concerns about the environmental impact these farms have, as well as the welfare of nearby wild species. These farms face issues of disease, resulting in the use of antibiotics, which may be harmful to wild species that inhabit nearby, as well as the consumer. Contaminants making their way into the fish has also been a concern at these farms.

King Ora salmon is also farmed, however these low density fisheries located in the clean waters of the Marlborough Sounds in New Zealand are renowned for their sustainability + quality. The salmon are free of antibiotics, GMOs + artificial hormones. This type of salmon is considered by some to be the best in the world + ‘the wagyu of the sea’.

Alaskan salmon is wild-caught from Alaskan waters. This means they eat a natural diet and live in their natural environment.

Sockeye salmon is a Pacific Ocean species, also known as red salmon, which is not typically farmed. They are known to be caught sustainably, with a focus on preserving populations.

Canned salmon can contain various species, but it’s quite easy to find wild-caught varieties in Australian supermarkets. Due to the plastic lining of canned produce, which often contains BPA, it is good to moderate these.

I know which one I would avoid. How about you?

Salmon is a great source of Omega 3s, protein, Vitamins D + B12, potassium, iron + are low in mercury - which can be a concern with some fish.

The anti-inflammatory Omega 3 fatty acids, EPA + DHA, support cardiovascular, brain, eye, joint, skin + hormone health. In pregnancy, Omega 3s (in particular DHA) are important for baby’s brain + eye development + may help reduce preterm birth risk + perinatal depression.