You are standing at the fish counter and see various types of salmon. One is more expensive than the other, and you wonder: what is actually the difference between wild fish and farmed fish? And which one is better for your health? We are happy to explain it for you.
What is farmed fish?
Farmed fish grow up in fish farms in large tanks or enclosed nets in the sea, where thousands of fish are kept together. Here, they are fed artificial feed until they are large enough to sell. It is essentially the intensive livestock farming of the fishing world.
Almost all salmon, trout, and tilapia you buy in the supermarket come from such a farm. This fish is available year-round because fish farmers can determine exactly when to harvest. Due to the controlled conditions, they can also produce large quantities at low costs.
And what is (and counts) as wild fish?
Wild fish live their entire lives free in oceans, lakes, or rivers. They swim wherever they want and eat what nature offers them: algae, small fish, crustaceans, and other natural food. Think of wild salmon swimming thousands of kilometers to spawn, or mackerel migrating in schools through the North Sea.
These fish are caught during the natural season, when they are at their best. Due to their natural way of life, they have developed stronger muscles and a more intense flavor. Their flesh is often firmer because they have had to swim against currents and tides their entire lives.
Pros and cons: what do you choose and when?
What are the pros and cons of wild fish and farmed fish? Arguments can be made for both. It depends mainly on what is important to you. We briefly list them below.
Farmed fish
- Advantages of farmed fish : farmed fish is cheap and always available. For people on a limited budget, it can be an affordable way to still eat fish. Modern farms are also starting to operate more cleanly and sustainably, although not yet at the desired level and scale we would like to see.
- Disadvantages of farmed fish : farmed fish contains fewer omega-3 fatty acids and more saturated fats. The quality is lower due to artificial feed and medication. The environmental impact of many fish farms also remains problematic due to pollution and escape risks.
Wild fish
- Benefits of wild fish: wild fish wins on almost all fronts when it comes to nutritional value. Due to their natural diet of algae and small fish, they contain more omega-3 fatty acids and no artificial colorings, antibiotics, or growth hormones. The taste is often more intense; just try the difference between wild salmon and farmed salmon. They also usually contain less saturated fat and more protein.
- Disadvantages of wild fish : the biggest disadvantages are price and availability. Wild fish can be two to three times more expensive than farmed fish. Also, not all wild fish is sustainably caught; overfishing is a real problem for some species.
Arctic Blue uses only wild fish for supplements
Bee Arctic Blue We make a conscious choice for wild fish from sustainable sources . Why? Because we believe that nature provides the best omega-3 profile. Our wild fish comes from clean waters and contains no artificial additives. You will notice this difference in quality in our supplements. No unnecessary ingredients and only the highest quality DHA and EPA nutrients.
