Thousands of fish concentrated in open net pens produce tons of
feces. Combined with uneaten food pellets, this waste impacts
the local environment, polluting the water and smothering plants
and animals on the seafloor. Scientists are also concerned about
spreading disease and parasites—common occurrences in crowded
pens—to wild fish. Where salmon farms are located near the
migration routes of young wild salmon, parasites may infect and
kill up to 80 percent of the wild fish. Pesticides and
antibiotics used to control diseases and parasites can also leak
into the environment, impacting local species. Issue: Chemical
Use Many types of aquaculture require chemical treatments for a
successful harvest. The amount of active chemicals released into
the environment determines their effect on other organisms and
human health. Frequent application and the emergence of
antibiotic-resistant bacteria can reduce effectiveness and
affect our ability to treat human diseases. Containing the
Problem Onshore, "closed" farms co