Though this Bee article appears to only consider wild salmon in its projection of the imminent demise of the species, the hatchery raised and ocean farmed salmon are doing fine, and many feel that human intervention is the future of salmon sustainability, as has been the process of most animal domestications throughout human history.
In the ancient ways of domesticating wild animals for food, transportation, recreation, education, companionship, and commerce the balance has always been tilted more towards what is good for humanity than what is good for the animals and that is a proper balance, while always remembering and honoring the vital role animals play within our world’s cultures and our responsibility to treat them (as all of nature) with respect and kindness.
An excerpt.
“The fish that define life in Sacramento's rivers are at greater risk of extinction than experts had previously thought.
“A study by UC Davis scientists, released on Wednesday, predicts 65 percent of California's salmon and trout species may become extinct within a century.
“The research was commissioned by the environmental group California Trout to call attention to the plight of 31 native salmon, steelhead and trout species in the state. Three researchers from the UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences examined threats to the fish and estimated their likelihood for extinction.
“The study was led by Peter Moyle, professor of fish biology at UC Davis and a leading authority on salmon and trout.”
While there are obviously some problems that still need to be addressed, the long-term health of the salmon—as our oceans and rivers come under more pressure from expanding global population—will largely depend upon the technology being developed in hatcheries and ocean farming and the prognosis is very good.
An excerpt from one ocean farming organization's website.
“Raising Ocean-Farmed Salmon: Given the great taste and nutritional benefits of ocean-farmed salmon and the demand for fresh fish, the number of ocean salmon farms has grown tremendously over the past decade. While many people buy and eat ocean-farmed salmon, many aren't familiar with the processes that go into producing fresh fish year-round.
“Salmon hatcheries: Salmon hatcheries include complex operations such as the gathering of eggs and egg fertilization. It generally takes between 12 to 18 months from when the eggs are fertilized until the juvenile salmon leave the hatchery for the ocean farms.
“Fish Development: Once the eggs have been fertilized and hatched, the juvenile salmon, or fry, are sorted into tanks where they are closely monitored. Sorting ensures that each fry has plenty of space to grow, and the water is monitored to ensure optimal conditions for growth.
“Ocean Farms: Young salmon are grown in freshwater for a period between half a year to over one year. The salmon are then released into net pens in the ocean (typically 100 meters across and 30 feet deep) where they are reared into adulthood.
“Farm Maintenance: Typically, ocean farms have divers who monitor the cages weekly to repair nets and check on the status of the fish. Strong, thick plastic cages protect the salmon and nets from storms and predators, while also minimizing escapes.
“Harvesting Salmon: Within about 18 months of living in the ocean farms, salmon reach their harvest size. The entire harvesting process is designed to ensure high quality, fresh salmon. Once salmon are harvested at the farms, they're quickly shipped to the processing plant.”
