Atlantic salmon
Salmo salar
Overview
Atlantic salmon sustainability varies. Avoid wild Atlantic salmon as they are struggling in the wild and numbers are dangerously low. Most of what’s in the market is farmed. There are environmental concerns relating to the farming of salmon. Check labels for how and where it was produced and look out for eco-labels: the Best Choices are organic or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). If these aren’t available, wild-caught Pacific salmon is a good alternative. All wild Alaskan salmon are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and you’ll see this label on the packet.
Atlantic salmon is widely sold in supermarkets as fresh fillets, smoked salmon, ready meals, and frozen products.
Ratings
Showing 11 results for Atlantic salmon
Best Choice
Best Choice
This seafood has been sustainably caught or responsibly farmed.
Farmed
Location: Europe: Ireland, All areas; Europe: UK, Scotland
Method: Open net pen, marine
Certification: Organic
More infoFarmed
Location: Europe: Norway, All areas; Europe: Iceland, All areas; Europe: UK, Scotland
Method: Open net pen, marine
Certification: Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
More infoOK - Needs Improvement
OK - Needs Improvement
An ok choice, but needs improvement. We recommend seeking alternatives where possible.
Farmed
Location: Europe: Faroe Islands, All areas; Europe: Norway, All areas; Europe: UK, Scotland
Method: Open net pen, marine
Certification: GLOBALG.A.P.
More infoFarmed
Location: Europe: Norway, All areas; Europe: UK, Scotland
Method: Open net pen, marine
Certification: Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 3*, Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4*
More infoAvoid
Avoid
We recommend avoiding these options as they have significant environmental concerns.
Wild-caught
Location: NE Atlantic (England and Wales)
Management area: All rivers not classified as 'Not at risk' by the Environment Agency
Method: Net (drift), Net (gill or fixed)
More infoWild-caught
Location: NE Atlantic (Scotland)
Management area: Rivers listed as Grade 2 or 3 by Marine Scotland
Method: Net (drift), Net (gill or fixed)
More infoWild-caught
Location: NE Atlantic
Management area: All areas and all rivers not achieving conservation limits
Method: Net (drift), Net (gill or fixed)
More infoUnder review
Under review
These ratings are currently being reviewed.
Sustainable swaps
Atlantic salmon
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