Currently, there is no commercial salmon production in Oregon or California. Both Pacific and Atlantic salmon are produced on the West Coast. The process begins in land-based hatcheries. The salmon are then transferred to either in-water net pens or larger land-based tanks for grow-out and harvest. The industry produces approximately 20 million pounds of fish annually and employs an estimated 200 people.

Finfish Cultured On The West Coast

Pacific Salmon and Steelhead

• Chinook/King Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha): enhancement, restoration
• Chum/Dog Salmon (Oncorhynchus keta): enhancement
• Coho/Silver Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch): commercial, enhancement, restoration
• Pink/Humpies (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha): enhancement, restoration
• Sockeye/Red Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka): enhancement, restoration
• Steelhead/Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): commercial, enhancement, restoration

Other Finfish

• Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): commercial. (Washington State will phase out commercial net pen culture of Atlantic salmon by 2022).
• White Sea Bass (Atractoscion nobilis): enhancement (for recreational fishing), restoration
• California Yellowtail (amberjack), (Seriola dorsalis): commercial aquaculture research

Publications

• Potential Impacts from Atlantic Salmon Culture (PDF, 98 pages)
• The Net-Pen Salmon Farming Industry in the PNW (PDF, 147 pages)
• Marine Cage Culture & The Environment: 21st Century Science Informing A Sustainable Industry
• Tech Memo: Alternative Feeds Work (PDF, 103 pages)

Resources

• Canada Aquaculture Research Database
• Northwest Aquaculture Alliance