Farmed Tasmanian Salmon

Farmed Tasmanian Salmon

 Florfenicol — A preventative measure or disaster for us?


Salmon is a superfood, right? Packed full of omega-3s and protein, it's one of those 'healthy eating' products that make us feel like we're succeeding at life. But you might have heard some echoings, or read some headlines, that threatens salmon's place as a health food. 

One such article that is putting its reputation in contention is Regulator 'disappointed' over Tasmanian salmon industry's antibiotic plan, emails show.  ABC has published multiple articles about concerns over the use of a new antibiotic in farmed fish. 

The situation is this: companies who farm Tasmanian Salmon off the coast of Australia have recently been approved to use Florenicol in their pens, due to a rise in disease. After over 12,000 tonnes of fish died due to a disease, an emergency application was made to use the medicine. This has raised concerns for many people who are concerned about the health of the fish and also humans.

Concerns for Fish
It is pretty much an undeniable fact that overcrowding of pens, cages etc. leads to a higher rate of disease. When pens are overcrowded, fish experience a high level of stress pretty consistently (you know how it feels to be packed in a train or a busy shopping centre where you can't move without brushing shoulders with everyone), which weakens their immune system. On top of a weakened immune system, their close proximity also allows disease to spread even quicker.  Low quality feed also contributes to disease by not providing the animal with the necessary nutrients, thus reducing their ability to prevent and come back from disease. 

All of these conditions require more medical intervention in the form of antibiotics and vaccines, the further away these fish get from a natural life and, for humans, a natural source of nutrients. 

Concerns for Humans

 

One of the major concerns of antibiotic use in not just aquaculture but all agriculture is how it leads to antibiotic resistance in humans. As we're exposed to more antibiotics, not only are we potentially killing the good, strong bacteria in our gut, but allowing germs that threaten our well-being to develop beyond the effects of antibiotics and become untreatable. This is such a real concern that the Tasmanian state's director of public health is suggesting people consider not eating fish caught within 3 kilometres of affected pens.

This is a concerning thought, that agricultural intervention is disrupting people's ability to catch and eat their own healthy food, but keep reading. 

These farmed fish which have been treated with antibiotics cannot be eaten for a period of time (21 days) where the antibiotics are expected to process and leave the fish's body. The EPA will carry out sediment testing "at time intervals", testing on wild fish 500 metres and 1 kilometre from the pens, and water column testing to ensure the antibiotic is following the predicted pattern.

If we take a realistic, and positive, view of the situation, then we understand that once they test the animals and have a residual limit of the antibiotic which is considered safe by the APVMA, there is seen to be no ill effects on humans — it's a negligible amount to be considered dangerous. The APVMA's residue limit — the maximum amount of chemical residue allowed in animal feed — is described as in line with the European Union, the USA, Japan and China.

If this is all accepted as true then we still have to ask what happens to the fish even once the antibiotics are gone, what are the long-term effects? How is their gut impacted, or the rest of their body? How does this impact how their bodies nourish us humans? What will we learn in five years, ten years, about how antibiotics interact with the fish, our guts, or even ocean ecology and other ocean life? 

What does all this mean? Do you have to give up this fishy superfood then? How can you get your omegas and protein in now? Fear not, there are alternative options to traditional aquaculture.

Fish is a cornerstone of a healthy diet, providing omega-3s, lean protein, vitamins, and minerals. But with antibiotic use in aquaculture now in the spotlight, here’s how you can enjoy seafood safely:

🧭 Know Your Source

Choose seafood from trusted suppliers who transparently share how their fish is raised.

Wild-caught fish are the best option. Look for certifications like MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) or Australian Responsible Seafood Standards if you're shopping in a traditional grocery store. If you are going to buy farmed, research the company to see what interventions they use while farming (note there will not be a lot of transparent information on the package itself).

🎣 Pick up A Hobby

If you live in a good area, consider picking up a hobby and fishing for your own dinner! To go the extra mile, avoid eating fish caught near aquaculture farm pens during and soon after treatment periods. Stay informed about local public health advisories and rules with fishing in your area.

🐠 Understand Labels

Farmed salmon available in supermarkets should by law meet national food safety standards, including limits on antibiotic residues. Still it is best to get informed about brands you commonly see in the supermarket, as well as emblems from food or ethics organisations, and how to identify wild-caught, farmed, fresh or frozen at the store. Shopping with local fishmongers is a great option to reduce the mental load of researching and second-guessing your purchases.

🍽 Balance Your Plate

Salmon is high in protein and omega fatty acids, but it isn't the only source. Include a variety of seafood — from sardines to snapper —as well as pasture-raised meats, eggs, and nuts. 


Moving Forward 

It's unclear if this use of Florfenicol will be a long-term solution or for a brief intervention period, but many aren't hopeful. When the conditions of farming (such as overcrowding and lack of nutritious food) do not change, the issues of disease will not change except by human chemical intervention. 

Awareness is your best friend when making decisions for your health. Use the amazing tools at your fingertips to learn more about the industry and how you can access high-quality, natural foods.