June 2, 2008
A commentary by Dr. Brad Hicks in the May/June 2008 issue of "Northern Aquaculture" provides an interesting explanation of why farmed salmon occupy the same trophic level as other commonly farmed animals. Dr. Hicks concludes that "Salmon, tuna and other fish-eating fish are not top level carnivores. These farmed fish are at essentially the same trophic level as other commonly farmed animals. However, because farmed fish are poikilothermic (cold blooded) and neutrally buoyant (do not require energy to maintain posture) they are some of the most efficient farm animals. Farming fish is a very efficient way to produce foods and it is not the rearing of top carnivores as some fish farm critics would have policy makers believe."
