- Species: Salmon ranching primarily involves raising Pacific salmon species, such as Chinook salmon (king salmon), coho salmon (silver salmon), sockeye salmon (red salmon), pink salmon (humpback salmon), and chum salmon (dog salmon).
- Hatchery and rearing: Salmon ranching begins with the collection of fertilized eggs from wild or broodstock salmon. The eggs are incubated and hatched in controlled hatchery environments. Once the young salmon, called fry or smolts, reach a certain size and stage of development, they are transferred to net pens or other aquaculture systems in open waters for further rearing and growth.
- Feed and nutrition: Salmon in ranching operations are provided with formulated feed designed to meet their nutritional requirements and maximize growth. The feed may include fish meal, fish oil, krill, and other ingredients.
- Health and welfare: Fish health management plays a crucial role in salmon ranching. Aquaculture practices aim to maintain good water quality, prevent and control diseases, and minimize stress on the fish to ensure their well-being.
- Harvesting: When the salmon reach market size, they are harvested and processed for sale and consumption. Harvesting methods can include seines, traps, and nets. Some salmon ranching operations also practice live harvest, where the fish are transported alive to processing facilities.
Salmon ranching has both advantages and challenges. It can help supplement wild salmon populations, meet growing demand for seafood, and provide economic opportunities. However, it also raises environmental concerns, including interactions with wild salmon, potential disease outbreaks, and the impact on marine ecosystems. Sustainable practices and responsible management are crucial to address these challenges and ensure the long-term viability of salmon ranching.