Maine farmed Atlantic salmon has been given a “Good Alternative” rating from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program – a first for Maine farmed Atlantic salmon, according to the Maine Aquaculture Association.

Mainers have been farming Atlantic salmon since the 1970s. Today, farming operations in the state span 22 sites, three hatcheries and a processing plant in Machiasport, the Association said in a press release.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch helps consumers and chefs navigate the confusing and ever-changing world of which fish is best to eat from an environmental perspective. Its ratings – updated every six months – are determined by scientists, based on government reports, journal articles, white papers and interviews with fish experts. The highest designation Seafood Watch awards is Best Choice. Maine farmed Atlantic salmon got the next best designation of Good Alternative.

Seafood Watch explains why on its website. In part it’s “…because effluent and habitat impacts are moderate and stringent operating permit mandates have resulted in superior fish containment.”


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