Aquaculture is a relatively new technology, thus, it is a method that did and still does have some problems. Despite the economic potentials of Atlantic salmon farming, there are various ecological, social and biological impacts of aquaculture that may be cause for concern. To this end, research is being conducted and suggestions have been reviewed on various methods to improve aquaculture (16, 20):

Decrease dependence on wild fish and fish meal

• Agencies could encourage the farming of non carnivorous species and the use of alternative feeds
• Some fish (i.e. tilapia and catfish) can be raised on diets with little or no fishmeal and fish oil
• Research on alternative feeds is focusing on oilseeds (soybeans), meat byproducts (blood meal and bone meal) and microbial protiens

“Closed” farms

• Open net pens in aquaculture, especially in salmon aquaculture, contribute to the pollution of ocean waters by organic waste and uneaten food pellets
• Enclosed, recirculating systems (or a “closed” pen) can filter wastewater and compost solid wastes
• Stronger cages can prevent farmed Atlantic salmon from escaping and negatively interacting with wild populations

Reduce pollution

• Improve monitoring and treatment of wastewater
• Enhanced reporting and records of quantities of chemicals and drugs used in the process

Protect habitat

• Specific to the salmon industry and the potential for farmed salmon to escape from net pen aquaculture, it is recommended that the industry choose production sites wisely

Third-party certification

• Can help governments tackle issues with aquaculture
• Similar to the role of the Marine Stewardship Council in certifying sustainable wild fisheries, a third-party group may also identify sustainable aquaculture operations
• Promote sustainable aquaculture and resource management