Atlantic Salmon (Farmed)
Atlantic Salmon (Farmed)
Salmo salar
Also Known As
Sea run salmon, Kelts, Black salmon
Quick Facts
Region
New England/Mid-Atlantic,
Southeast
Atlantic salmon fish. Credit: Bob Michelson
Atlantic salmon fish. Credit: Bob Michelson
About the Species
Only farm-raised Atlantic salmon are found in U.S. seafood markets.
Commercial fishing for Atlantic salmon in the United States is prohibited. The Gulf of Maine distinct population segment (DPS) of Atlantic salmon are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Learn more about protected Atlantic salmon.
Appearance
- Spindle-like body shape – rounded, broad in the middle, and tapered at each end.
- Typical of salmon species, shape is flattened toward the sides.
- Head is relatively small, about 1/5 of body length.
- Ventral paired fins are prominent, especially on juveniles.
Biology
- Spawning females lay an average of 7,500 eggs.
- Juvenile “smolts” grow much faster in saltwater than in freshwater.
- Growth rates vary, depending on season, age, sex and population density.
- After two years at sea, adult salmon have an average length of 28 to 30 inches and a weight of 8 to 12 pounds.
- Atlantic salmon do not die after spawning.
Fishery Management
- Permitting for salmon aquaculture is governed by federal, state and local governments.
- The federal agencies involved are NOAA, the Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, and the Coast Guard.
- Salmon farms must adhere to federal regulations including those in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation & Management Act, the Endangered Species Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. //
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia | Phylum | Chordata | Class | Actinopterygii | Order | Salmoniformes | Family | Salmonidae | Genus | Salmo | Species | salar |
|---|
Featured News
Anglers fish in the Salmon River, shown here after several structures associated with an abandoned railroad trestle bridge were removed. Credit: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Feature Story
Restoring Habitat for Great Lakes Fisheries on New York’s Salmon River
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Oyster growers harvest farmed shellfish from the Damariscotta River in Maine. NOAA has awarded several grants to small businesses working to develop new tools to advance sustainable U.S. aquaculture. (Image credit: C. Katalinas/ Maine Sea Grant)
Helicopter fitted with cameras for aerial mapping. The cameras are in the gray box mounted to the underside of the cockpit in front of the landing skids. Credit: Atlantic Salmon Federation/Valerie Ouellet
Related Species
Seafood Facts
Is Atlantic Salmon Sustainable?
U.S. farmed Atlantic Salmon is a smart seafood choice because it is grown and harvested under U.S. state and federal regulations.
Availability
Available year-round.
Source
Coastal salmon farms, mostly in Maine or Washington.
Taste
Buttery, rich taste.
Texture
Firm and fatty, rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Color
Like wild-caught salmon, the flesh is reddish-orange or pink.
Health Benefits
Farmed salmon is low in sodium and contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1; Serving Weight: 100 g (raw); Calories: 142; Protein: 19.84 g; Total Fat: 6.34 g; Total Saturated Fatty Acids: 0.981 g; Carbohydrate: 0 g; Total Sugars: 0 g; Total Dietary Fiber: 0 g; Cholesterol: 55 mg; Selenium: 36.5 mcg; Sodium: 44 mgSalmon Recipes
Try these salmon recipes your whole family will love!
Seafood News
Fish and shellfish dishes. Credit: iStock
Feature Story
Celebrate National Seafood Month
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
International
Adelia Myrick harvesting kelp on her farm in Kodiak, Alaska.
Feature Story
Celebrating Aquaculture Week: Farming from Tide to Table
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
(Overlay) Left: Christening of new shrimp boats acquired by the Dorado Fishing Cooperative in Puerto Rico, 1965. Credit: NOAA Central Library Historical Fisheries Collection; Right: Description Wood-and-wire lobster pots, seen here on a dock at Puerto Rico's Fajardo Beach, are still common in the Caribbean. Credit: Julio A. Serrano; (Background): A view of a tropical coastline in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Credit: Meaghan Emory