Scottish salmon is one of the most prized fish in the world. Its beautiful pink-orange color rich fatty texture and mild flavor have made it a staple on fine dining menus and dinner tables across the globe. But behind the elegant fillets lies a complex history and an industry riddled with contradictions.
An Iconic Species
Scottish salmon refers to Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) caught or farmed in Scotland. Atlantic salmon begin life in the gravel beds of Scottish rivers and lochs, where they spend 1-3 years before heading out to sea. They return to their natal rivers to spawn after 1-5 years roaming the North Atlantic. Wild Scottish salmon have always been highly prized, but limited in supply. Historically, fishing for wild salmon was restricted to the elite through a rigid licensing system.
Farmed Scottish salmon has transformed this once rare delicacy into a mass-market product. Pioneered in the late 1960s, salmon farming quickly expanded through the sea lochs and coastal waters of northwest Scotland In just five decades, farmed salmon rocketed from providing under 1% of Scottish salmon to over 99% today
Why So Popular?
Several qualities make Scottish salmon among the most coveted salmon worldwide:
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Rich taste – The cold, fast-flowing waters of Scotland lend farmed salmon a fuller flavor compared to warmer origins like Chile or Norway. Wild salmon develops even more complex flavors from diverse marine diets.
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Color – Farmed Scottish salmon ranges from pink to deep orange thanks to nutritional additives like astaxanthin. Wild salmon gleans its color from shrimp and krill.
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Fat content – Farmed Scottish salmon have higher fat content than wild, giving them a silky, buttery texture when cooked. Wild salmon has a leaner, meatier texture.
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Versatility – Scottish salmon adapts well to cooking methods like grilling, baking, frying, and smoking. It also makes exceptional sushi and sashimi.
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Health benefits – All salmon is loaded with heart-healthy omega-3s. Farmed salmon has slightly lower omega-3s than wild but still excellent levels.
The Rise of Farmed Scottish Salmon
In its early years, Scottish salmon farming was small-scale, located in sea lochs along the coast. But massive growth in global demand led to intensive industrial production. Today over 200 salmon farms dot Scotland’s rugged coastline.
Technology enabled the expansion. Circular net pens allow thousands of fish to be crammed together while still allowing water flow. Artificial lights and feeds packed with nutrients accelerate growth. The result is a consistent, plump product tailored to market desires.
Scotland now produces over 170,000 tonnes of farmed salmon yearly – a 500-fold increase since the 1980s. Farmed salmon accounts for 99% of Scottish salmon sold. For Scotland, salmon farming represents a £1 billion industry and its top food export.
Farming Controversies
Despite its economic success, salmon farming faces criticisms including:
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Pollution – Fish waste and uneaten feed contaminate seabeds below farms. Some regions have imposed limits on farm biomass to curb pollution.
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Chemical use – Pesticides, antibiotics, and anti-foulants have been used to control disease and sea lice outbreaks. Their impact on local ecology and human health remains unclear.
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Escapes – Farmed salmon escaping into wild waters breed with wild stocks, diluting the gene pool. Over 2 million farmed salmon are reported to escape into Scottish waters annually.
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Sustainability concerns – Feeds based on wild-caught fish are being phased out for plant-based options, but issues around sourcing remain.
In response, the Scottish industry cites strict regulations, use of vaccines rather than antibiotics, and research into closed containment systems. But unease persists around the environmental and ethical toll of intensive salmon farming.
Making Sustainable Choices
With all the issues surrounding farmed Scottish salmon, some consumers prefer seeking out wild-caught options. However, wild Atlantic salmon populations are extremely fragile, making commercial fishing unsustainable.
For those who still want to enjoy Scottish salmon, seeking out responsibly farmed options is recommended. Look for respected sustainability certifications like ASC, BAP, or Organic. And know that the industry is taking steps forward – if slowly – in addressing longstanding criticisms.
At the end of the day, Scottish salmon remains one of the most exquisite fish on the planet. Its future depends on finding the balance between meeting global appetite and supporting long-term sustainability.
Is Scottish salmon farmed?
Because demand exceeds supply, most Scottish salmon are farmed. In addition, the wild salmon is more expensive and therefore there is less demand for it.
More information about the choice between wild and farmed salmon can be found in this blog. + link to blog
Figures on Scottish salmon
- In 2018, the production of Scottish salmon was approximately 150,000 tonnes. That is slightly lower than in the record year 2017;
- Scottish salmon is produced by about 12 farms that together have about 226 farms. These are mainly on the west coast, but also on Orkney and the Shetland Islands;
- In 2017, the salmon farms employed approximately 1,431 people, providing 10,000 jobs in rural areas of Scotland;
- Most of the salmon comes from salmon from farms located in fjords;
- Salmon is an important industry within Scotland with an export value of over £1 billion in 2019.
- Some of the salmon farms in Scotland are owned by Norwegian companies.
What You Don’t Know About Scottish Salmon
FAQ
FAQ
What’s the difference between salmon and Scottish salmon?
In general, Scottish farmed salmon have somewhat larger bellies and more fat. They are a bit fatter than Norwegian farmed salmon. Due to the fat percentage, they have a shorter shelf life, about two weeks.
Is Scottish salmon good quality?
Scottish salmon is not only a fantastic healthy food, it is also a responsible way for people to get the high quality protein and Omega-3 oils required as part of a balanced diet.
Why is Scottish salmon so expensive?
The company is now based in Norway which produces by far the most farmed salmon of any nation. Scottish salmon is around 10% more expensive than other farmed salmon. However, it is much less intensive and more money is spent to have better feed for the fish.
Which is better Norwegian or Scottish salmon?
Norwegian smoked salmon is ideal if you want something mild and creamy. If bold, smoky flavors are more your style, go for the best smoked salmon Scotland has to offer. Both options bring exceptional quality to your table. Whether it’s Norwegian or Scottish fish, you can’t go wrong.