Hatchery-Raised Oregon Salmon
Oregon salmon are the subject of a recently released study concerning conservation efforts. Raising fish in hatcheries has been part of an effort to rebuild wild populations of fish by growing them in controlled environments and then adding them to the wild population. However, Oregon State University’s research raises questions regarding this practice. The study shows that Oregon salmon raised in a hatchery and their offspring are startlingly less able to survive than their wild relatives. Because the hatchery fish are raised in a coddling environment and are not suited to surviving the harsh realities of the wild, once they get to the wild they often die off quickly. This Oregon salmon study suggests that raising hatchery fish may actually weaken this endangered species.
Oregon's salmon is hurting from over and improper forestation.
The Oregon Salmon Industry
The Oregon salmon industry is mainly composed of small independent businesses owned by fishermen who are often from a long line of boat owners. Because of recent harvesting restrictions, many of Oregon’s six hundred fishing businesses could be in danger. Oregon salmon are among the healthiest – they are free-ranging animals that have fed from nature for three to five years. This is in contrast to much of the salmon imported from other regions. Imported salmon is often raised in pens and, rather than feeding naturally, is fed processed food. It doesn’t end here – these salmon is routinely injected with dye to give its pallid flesh the expected salmon color. Farm-raised Atlantic salmon are possibly worse. They are raised in pens crammed with other fish. Their waste pollutes surrounding water, affecting not only the salmon, but the surrounding water and ocean species as well. Although Washington and Oregon salmon may be fresh and natural, salmon fishing in these areas has resulted in habitat destruction and the endangering of many species. All in all, it’s becoming a difficult matter to choose what kind of salmon to purchase and eat.
Please send questions, comments, local fishing info and stories to info@fishingrevieworegon.com