Few topics in the world of seafood are as complex, as polarized, or as important as the debate over salmon farming vs. wild salmon. Over the last thirty years, salmon grown in net cages in coastal salt water has gone from an experimental project to one of the most successful products of aquaculture, totally transforming the world market for salmon. It has also become the focus of a bitter debate over the environmental effects of aquaculture, and the attendant battle for the hearts and minds of consumers. Increasingly, consumers are being urged to bring their buying power to the debate in choosing which seafoods to buy and which to avoid. And with approximately two-thirds of all seafood in America sold to restaurants and other foodservice establishments, more and more chefs, restaurateurs, caterers, and other foodservice professionals are expected to take public stands on the farmed vs. wild salmon issue. Do you know where you stand on farmed salmon, and can you explain why? Or are you still trying to make up your mind, and to sort out the conflicting information coming from various parties? Do you find the issues around salmon farming are too complex for simple yes-or-no answers? Perhaps The Salmon Files can help. In this column, a regular department of The Seafood Monitor, we will take an in-depth look at a particular segment of the salmon debate, examining the arguments of each side, looking at the original sources where appropriate, and looking for a defensible position. Whether or not you agree with our conclusions, you should find plenty of food for thought. Some of the issues we will cover in future editions:
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