Is There Salmon in the Philippines? Examining the Evidence

Salmon is a prized fish worldwide for its nutritional benefits and delicate flavor But with the Philippines’ tropical climate, it doesn’t seem like the ideal habitat for salmon. So does salmon exist in the Philippine seas and markets? Let’s closely examine the evidence

We’ll cover:

• What defines a true salmon fish
• If real salmon live naturally in the Philippines
• What “salmon” species are sold locally
• The availability of imported salmon
• The health benefits that make salmon so nutritious
• Whether salmon could be sustainably farmed in the Philippines

By the end, you’ll have a clear answer to the question: is there salmon in the Philippines?

Characteristics of True Salmon

First, let’s define what makes a true salmon. Salmon is the common name for several species in the Salmonidae family, like

• Atlantic salmon
• Chinook (king) salmon
• Sockeye salmon
• Coho salmon

True salmon have these identifiable features

• Silvery blue, gray, or green scales
• Pink, red, or orange flesh when raw
• Small fine scales
• An adipose fin on their back
• They spawn in freshwater rivers and streams

Wild salmon are native to cold waters like those around Norway, Alaska, and Scotland – not tropical areas.

Does Natural Salmon Exist in the Philippines?

The warm, tropical climate of the Philippines makes it an unsuitable habitat for salmon to spawn and thrive. There are no natural wild salmon found in Philippine seas or rivers.

However, there are several fish species locally referred to as “salmon”:

• Threadfin salmon – A native fish distinguished by long pectoral fins. Most common “salmon” sold in wet markets.

• Bigeye trevally – Silvery fish with black dots. Sometimes misleadingly named salmon.

• Giant trevally – Large fish with vertical bars on the body. Does not closely resemble salmon.

• Rainbow runner – Called “salmon” for its red color, but no relation to true salmon.

So while these fish may be labelled as salmon, they are not from the salmon family. There are no natural wild salmon in the Philippines.

Imported Fresh Salmon Availability

While local salmon is not real, you can find imported fresh and frozen salmon from major fishing nations in high-end Philippine groceries and seafood shops.

The selection is limited since salmon has to be air-flown in, but you may find:

• Atlantic salmon – The most common and widely fished salmon species.

• Chinook/king salmon – Prized for its high oil content and flavor.

• Sockeye salmon – Leaner with deep red flesh.

• Coho salmon – Smaller salmon with light pink meat.

Expect prices from ₱800 to ₱1,200 per kilo for fresh salmon. There are also some smoked and frozen salmon options.

Why Salmon is Considered a Superfood

What makes real salmon so beneficial and nutritious? Some key nutrients and health benefits include:

• High in omega-3 fatty acids – Essential for heart, brain, and eye health.

• Excellent source of protein – Provides 20-25g protein per 3 ounce serving.

• Rich in B vitamins – Important for energy production and metabolism.

• High in minerals like potassium, selenium, and phosphorus.

• Contains the antioxidant astaxanthin – Gives salmon meat its pink color.

So authentic salmon contains a stellar nutritional profile you won’t find in local varieties.

Can Salmon be Sustainably Farmed in the Philippines?

Aquaculture companies have started farming salmon in enclosed recirculating tanks in the Philippines. However, sustainable large-scale salmon farming faces challenges like:

• Requirement of fishmeal/oil feed from wild fisheries – Not sustainable long-term.

• High energy demands for cooling systems to maintain ideal water temperatures for salmon.

• Risk of diseases and parasites spreading in closed tank systems.

So while small progress is being made, many issues remain for responsible Philippine salmon aquaculture.

• True wild salmon species cannot survive in the tropical waters of the Philippines

• Local “salmon” sold in wet markets are not actually from the salmon family

• Limited imported fresh and frozen salmon is available from major fishing countries

• Salmon provides exceptional nutritional value thanks to its omega-3’s, protein and other nutrients

• Sustainably farming salmon in the Philippines faces challenges around feed, energy use, and diseases

So while real salmon is hard to come by, the growing availability of imported salmon provides opportunities to enjoy this superfood fish. With some solutions, salmon aquaculture could someday thrive in the Philippines as well.