Sockeye salmon is a key species; a species that has a significant impact on the rest of the ecosystem. The migratory fish spends most of its life in the ocean, but reproduces close to the sources of large rivers. Instinct drives the fish upstream, where grizzly bears feed on it and native peoples celebrate its return. The fish that reach the upper reaches of the rivers, mate and die from exhaustion. That is as it should be. But increasingly, more salmon are found dead than alive, well before they have laid their eggs.

 

Biologist Alexandra Morton researches the diseases afflicting the salmon. She points to the salmon farms in the area as the cause. The farmed salmon, which are raised in densely populated enclosures in the rivers, carry diseases and mites. The mites escape the nets and infect the wild salmon. Once infected, the wild fish are not strong enough to swim against the current. Morton also warns of the dangers for consumers: diseased farmed salmon end up on supermarket shelves. Ecology and food safety are not always a priority for commercial farms, but is Morton jumping to conclusions?

 

Salmon Confidential examines the relationship between nature, biologist, fish farmers, paid scientists, consumers and lawmakers. Which interests are at stake and what impact does our food have on its surroundings?

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