Rainbow trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
What to check for
Location
All areas
Production method
Pond, freshwater
Rating summary
Rainbow trout farmed in freshwater ponds and raceways is a good choice. The use of freshwater enclosed systems addresses many issues of environmental concern that can be associated with farmed fish production such as organic and chemical waste deposition, escapes and spread of parasites. Rainbow trout has a lower requirement for fish in its diet compared to other salmonid species and in UK production, responsibly sourced feed is used. This assessment also scores well for welfare and management.Rating last updated May 2022.
References
European Commission. 2012. Guidance on Aquaculture and Natura 2000. Available at https://ec.europa.eu/fisheries/sites/fisheries/files/docs/body/guidance-aquaculture-natura2000.pdf [Accessed on 04.04.2022].FAO. 2019. National Aquaculture Legislation Overview: United Kingdom. Available at http://www.fao.org/fishery/legalframework/nalo_uk/en [Accessed on 04.04.2022].FAO. Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum 1792). Available at https://www.fao.org/fishery/en/culturedspecies/oncorhynchus_mykiss/en [Accessed on 28.03.2022].Naylor, R. L., Hardy, R. W., Buschmann, A. H., Bush, S. R., Cao, L., Klinger, D. H., Little, D. C., Jubchenco, J., Shumway, S. E and Troell, M. 2021. A 20-year retrospective review of global aquaculture. Nature. 591 (551-563). Available at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-021-03308-6#Tab1 [Accessed on 04.04.2022].Quality Trout UK. Combined Farm & Hatchery Certification Standards. Issue 5.9 (9th November 2021). Available at http://qualitytrout.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Quality-Trout-UK-Standard-Issue-5.9-9-11-2021-for-release.pdf [Accessed on 4.04.2022].Quality Trout UK. The Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture. Available at http://qualitytrout.co.uk/code-of-good-practice/ [Accessed on 28.03.2022].Scottish Government. 2017. Environmental Impacts. Available at https://www2.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Fish-Shellfish/18716/environmentalimpact [Accessed on 04.04.2022].Seafish. Rainbow Trout. Available at https://www.seafish.org/responsible-sourcing/aquaculture-farming-seafood/species-farmed-in-aquaculture/aquaculture-profiles/rainbow-trout/sources-quantities-and-cultivation-methods/ [Accessed on 28.03.2022].
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