Sustainable Salmon Buying Guide: Eco-Labels & Responsible Choices

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Why sustainability matters in salmon industry.

Salmon is a nutritious and delicious fish, but unsustainable fishing practices are threatening the health of our oceans, as well as the salmon populations themselves. Farmed salmon is often produced in crowded and unsanitary conditions, which can lead to disease and poor welfare for the fish. In addition, the feed used to raise farmed salmon can contain high levels of pollutants, which can contaminate the fish and the environment.

Navigating eco-labels

When choosing sustainable salmon, it's important to look for eco-labels that certify the fish has been responsibly sourced. Some of the most common eco-labels for salmon include:

* Marine Stewardship Council (MSC): The MSC is a non-profit organization that sets standards for sustainable fishing practices. Salmon with the MSC label has been certified to meet these standards.

* Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP): The BAP is a set of standards for responsible aquaculture practices. Salmon with the BAP label has been certified to meet these standards.

* Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC): The ASC is a non-profit organization that sets standards for responsible aquaculture practices. Salmon with the ASC label has been certified to meet these standards.

Things to consider beyond the eco-label

In addition to looking for eco-labels, there are a few other things you can do to choose more sustainable salmon:

* Buy wild-caught salmon whenever possible. Wild-caught salmon is generally more sustainable than farmed salmon, as it does not require the same intensive farming practices.

* Choose fish that are caught or raised in your region. This will help to reduce the carbon emissions associated with transporting salmon from far away.

* Look for salmon that is sold in whole or fillet form. This will help to reduce the amount of waste produced by processing salmon.

Additional tips for buying and cooking sustainable salmon

* When selecting salmon for purchase, look for fish with the following attributes:

* Bright, firm flesh

* Clear, full eyes

* Fins that are intact and not damaged

* No strange odors

* Store salmon in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days before cooking it.

* Cook salmon to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

* Salmon is a versatile fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Some popular methods include:

* Baking

* Broiling