SALMON

Salmon farming began in the early 20th century. However, it was not until the 1970s that the industry saw significant advancements, particularly in Norway and Scotland, where pioneering techniques were developed.  

By the 1980s, salmon farming had spread to other regions, including Canada, Chile, and the United States. Today, farmed salmon accounts for about 70% of the world's salmon supply, with Norway and Chile being the largest producers. 

By far the most numerous salmon species to be farmed is the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), but other, related species such as coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) and chinook or king salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha). 

Farming in sea cages (“net-pen” farming) has its critics and many see it as environmentally unacceptable, as well as a threat to wild salmon, which are in a precarious state in many parts of the world. 

This has made salmon farming a controversial topic and restricted the industry’s growth in many parts of the world. Salmon farmers are increasingly looking at alternative approaches, such as closed and semi-closed cages, offshore fish farming and land-based fish farming. 

Demand for salmon is strong and has been growing globally with the rise of an urban middle class. Whether production can keep up with it is another question.