Fish Farming & Safety for Humans

Farm-raised fish are increasingly common.

Fish farming is a process by which fish are raised in sea cages set out in open water. The crowded conditions, exposure to pollution, and chemicals in their feed contribute to concerns about threats to human health.

Links to Red Tide

High volumes of waste generated by fish farms can lead to toxic algal blooms in nearby shellfish beds. Eating shellfish contaminated by red tide can lead to serious illness or death.

Exposure to Pollutants

Confined to sea cages, fish cannot escape to cleaner water if toxic pollutants move through their area. The absorbed toxins would then be ingested in turn by consumers.

Resistance to Antibiotics

Farmed fish are susceptible to many diseases, and so are heavily treated with antibiotics. These build up and become less effective in the fish and the humans who consume them.

Toxic Feed Chemicals

A host of toxic chemicals, including known carcinogens, are added to the fish feed to fend off a variety of pests and diseases. Absorbed by the fish, they are passed on to consumers.

Threats to Workers

Medical researchers have noted clusters of cancer cases among fish farm workers. They suspect exposure to toxins in fish feed could be the cause.

References

• Salmon Farm Monitor: Sea Cage Fish Farming