Tag Atlantic salmon

After 14 years with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, Rick Barrows talks about the importance of finding ‘complete’ and commercially viable alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids and continuing innovation in the aquafeed sector. 

Viruses often are the most potentially damaging pathogens in nature, affecting both wild stocks and farmed animals. Due to an Infectious Haematopoietic Necrosis (IHN) viral outbreak that occurred in Atlantic salmon in British Columbia, Canada some years ago, a vaccine for IHN was developed against this serious threat. 

A recent study evaluated the effects of a fishmeal-free diet on Atlantic salmon performance and fillet quality during successful growout to market-size in a commercial-scale, land-based, closed-containment system using water recirculation technology. Test fish performed well, with 97 percent survival during the 10-month growout period. 

The use of larger and deeper tanks can reduce building, labor and other aquaculture production costs. However, the ability to grade and transfer large numbers of fish is more challenging when using large tanks. In a comparison of the effectiveness of a purse seine and a hinged clamshell to crowd fish in large tanks, the latter was easier to control and less stressful to salmonids. With a slotted bar rack in a side panel of the clamshell crowder, fish were simultaneously graded in size. 

The maturation of Atlantic salmon prior to harvest is costly, so since male salmon are more likely to mature early, the salmon industry in Tasmania relies on all-female production. 

Salmon production has long been dominated by Norway, while the United States, Canada and United Kingdom have experienced slow expansion in recent years, and Chile saw a fall and rebound in volume. Norwegian product leads fresh salmon imports in European markets, but increases in price can shift sourcing to Ireland and the U.K. 

Studies have identified changes in the quality parameters of farmed Atlantic salmon and wild salmon that reflect changes in the animals’ life cycles, diets and environments. 

The USDA marine aquaculture center is ad­dressing genetic improvement of North American Atlantic sal­mon to develop improved lines for producers.