Should I Eat Farmed Salmon? - Hamiltons Fish

Should I Eat Farmed Salmon?

Salmon is the UK’s most popular fish—accounting for around 28% of seafood sales and worth over £1.45 billion in 2024. With British shoppers consuming more than 73,000 tonnes of salmon last year, it’s clear we’re hooked 🐟. But with sustainability and food quality in mind, it’s worth asking: is farmed salmon a good choice? At Hamilton’s Fish, we only stock Loch Duart salmon—an exceptional example of responsible farming.

 Here’s why it’s the smart, delicious and ethical choice.

Why We Don’t Stock Wild Salmon

Wild Atlantic salmon stocks remain fragile due to overfishing and environmental challenges. As advocates for the ocean, we’ve chosen to support low-impact farming practices instead—Loch Duart leads this responsibly farmed approach.

What Makes Loch Duart Salmon Stand Out?

Based in remote north-west Scotland, Loch Duart focuses on best-in-class husbandry and premium quality. Their practices include:

  • Low-density pens: Just 1.5% fish in 98.5% water—resulting in healthier, stronger salmon with a firm, natural texture.
  • No antibiotics or hormones: Ever. Fish are kept healthy through natural, preventive methods.
  • Chemical-free net cleaning: All nets are removed for land-washing—avoiding any anti-foulant chemicals.
  • Natural, marine-rich feed: Closely mimics a wild diet, boosting nutrition and omega‑3 levels.
  • Up to double the omega‑3: Compared to standard farmed salmon—great for heart, brain, and joint health.
  • Full traceability: Each fish is independently verified from sea to surface and Ikejime-harvested for peak freshness.

Is Farmed Salmon Healthy?

Absolutely—especially when it’s responsibly farmed like Loch Duart. Their salmon delivers around 1.5 g of EPA+DHA omega‑3 per 100 g, outpacing many other farmed options. Plus, you’re getting quality protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and zero unwanted antibiotics or chemicals.

How Does It Taste?

Many customers say Loch Duart salmon tastes remarkably like wild salmon—clean, full-flavoured, and true to the ocean. Its firm texture makes it ideal for grilling, baking, or pan-searing—and it performs beautifully in desserts too.

A Sustainable and Ethical Choice

Loch Duart actively rotates farms, uses cleaner fish to control sea lice naturally, and follows a strict fallowment schedule to protect local ecosystems. These practices uphold high standards of environmental care and fish welfare.

We’re proud to offer Loch Duart salmon at Hamilton’s Fish—an ethical, quality-first choice that supports marine health and coastal communities.

Try Loch Duart Salmon today—available in a variety of portion sizes, filleted fresh and delivered straight to your door.

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