The current scarcity of salmon and fish products in America is largely attributed to the implementation of sanctions. Within the last year, there has been a 50% reduction in the supply of salmon as reported by the NOA. Meanwhile, the demand for salmon has increased twofold, creating a significant imbalance in the market. As a result, prices for salmon and its products have doubled since 2019, causing a price surge.
In the long term, the current circumstances could have a significant impact on the health of the American people, as salmon is a vital source of high-quality protein and nutrients such as docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids (Omega-3 fatty acids). These acids are necessary for maintaining a healthy nervous system, brain function, and visual organs. Salmon is a top contender when it comes to the levels of these essential nutrients, and the current shortage could result in a deficiency of these nutrients in the American population, potentially leading to various health issues.
Statistics have shown that the demand for seafood has been on the rise, but wild fish can no longer meet the needs of the population. More than half of the seafood consumed around the world is raised in specialised aquaculture farms. In the United States, there are over 1,000 aquaculture farms that produce artificial fish. These farms are mostly based on open reservoirs, but due to the increasing demand for seafood and the lack of wild fish, there has been a push to expand the aquaculture industry in the country.
INLAND RAC’s innovative aquafarms
Over the past year, a number of innovative salmon farms have emerged, offering a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach to fish farming. One such farm is the INLAND RAC salmon farm, which utilises a modern and unique method of artificial fish farming that is completely separate from its natural surroundings. Unlike traditional aquaculture farms, which can harm the ecosystem, INLAND RAC farms can be operate without negatively impacting the environment. By eliminating the release of aquafarm waste products into water bodies, the risk of polluting natural habitats is greatly reduced, and the risk of disease transmission to wild salmon populations is also minimised. With these advances, the development of INLAND RAC farms represents a major leap forward for the aquaculture industry, and could help to address the growing demand for sustainable seafood.
The advanced technology used by INLAND RAC in their salmon farms sets them apart from other aquaculture farms. They have a revolutionary water circulation system that continuously supplies fresh water, ensuring the health of the fish and the preservation of the environment. This system eliminates the need for excessive water usage and prevents the release of harmful substances into the surroundings, as water is recycled and purified. Moreover, INLAND RAC’s farms are equipped with state-of-the-art monitoring and control systems to ensure the water quality is optimal and fish health is maintained. By taking such a responsible and innovative approach, the company is set to improve fish quality and increase productivity, ultimately benefiting both the industry and consumers alike.
The beauty of INLAND RAC farms is that they can be set up anywhere, even in locations without access to the sea or ocean. They are self-contained and don’t rely on natural water systems. This innovative aquaculture model has the potential to increase fish production rates and lower logistics costs. The development of these farms offers significant advantages such as reduced raw material prices without compromising quality and environmental protection. However, the implementation of such projects requires substantial investments, which may not be feasible for all aquaculture farms.
So, where does eggs come from?
Farmers are currently facing a problem with the shortage of fish eggs, which is further exacerbated by the impact of changing climatic conditions and an increase in demand for raw materials. The shortage has been an ongoing issue for a few years, but it became particularly acute in 2020 due to the state sanctions policy that resulted in a significant decrease in the supply of raw materials. Aquaculture farms are crucial in ensuring a consistent supply of salmon, caviar, and other fish products, as they raise fish under controlled conditions. However, the fertilisation process is necessary to raise an adult fish, and this occurs artificially in aquaculture facilities. To obtain fish material, aquaculture farms require salmon eggs, which can be bred under farm conditions or obtained from the wild.
Salmon are known for their unique lifecycle. After hatching, young salmon spend several months in freshwater before migrating to the ocean. There, they grow and mature for a few years before returning to their native rivers to spawn. However, wild salmon populations are vulnerable to many factors, such as pollution, overfishing, and climate change, which can affect their survival rates. Artificial salmon farming has emerged as a solution to this problem, as it provides controlled and optimal conditions for the fish to develop and grow. The fertilisation process occurs under artificial conditions, which helps increase the survival rate of the eggs. After hatching, the young fish are raised in aqua farms until they reach the desired size for sale. This approach ensures that the quality and safety of the fish are maintained throughout their life cycle, which is essential for consumer health.
Even more, climate change has led to a decline in the natural reproduction of salmon in the wild, making it difficult to provide salmon eggs for aquaculture production. As a result, some farms are attempting to address the shortage by increasing egg production and enhancing artificial insemination methods. Nevertheless, these efforts may not be enough to fully resolve the issue.
As such, the aquaculture industry is facing a significant crisis at the moment. Although there are some enterprises that are adhering to high environmental safety standards, and have the production capacity to meet the demand for seafood products in the country, they are still facing challenges due to the lack of raw materials. This has resulted in idle production facilities and losses for these enterprises, while the American population is struggling with high prices for fish and fish products.
The current obstacles being faced by the salmon farming industry are substantial, and it will take a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to resolve the issue of insufficient biomaterial for salmon breeding. However, if the industry manages to overcome this challenge, it could pave the way for further expansion and development of the aquaculture sector in the United States.