Farmed salmon has been hailed as a potential solution to the growing demand for seafood around the world. With projections showing that seafood production needs to increase by almost 30% by 2030, the industry is under pressure to meet these demands. One of the key players in this field is Simen Sætre, who coauthored a book titled “The New Fish: The Truth about Farmed Salmon and the Consequences We Can No Longer Ignore” alongside journalist Kjetil Ostli.
The book delves into the history of salmon farming, which originated in Norway in the 1960s. It sheds light on the various unintended consequences of fish farming, such as the use of chemicals in fish feed that can harm both aquatic and human health, the rise of sea lice infections in both farmed and wild fish, and the competition between salmon farms and human food supplies, particularly in regions like Africa.
Simen Sætre discusses how the industrialization and intensification of salmon farming are mirroring the issues seen in large-scale operations for other types of livestock, such as cattle, pork, and poultry. These concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are now being translated to the sea, raising concerns about pollution and animal welfare. Despite these challenges, Simen remains hopeful that efforts to restore wild salmon populations can be successful.
“The New Fish: The Truth about Farmed Salmon and the Consequences We Can No Longer Ignore” is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon, Powell’s Books, and from local booksellers. The book provides a critical examination of the salmon farming industry and calls for a reevaluation of current practices to ensure a sustainable future for both the environment and human health.
This episode originally aired on September 29, 2023, and offers valuable insights into the complex world of salmon farming and the urgent need for change.
