Chefs join global campaign to ban ocean-farmed salmon

Irish chef and Ballymaloe Cookery School founder Darina Allen has joined more than 120 international culinary figures in signing an open letter to remove ocean-farmed salmon from restaurant menus. The initiative, known as the ‘Off the table’ campaign, includes prominent chefs such as Italy’s Massimo Bottura and the UK’s Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Campaigners argue that salmon aquaculture, which currently accounts for 70% of the market, poses a significant ecological threat to wild salmon populations. Citing data from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the movement highlights concerns regarding the excessive use of chemicals, nutrient buildup from fish waste, and the spread of viruses and parasites to wild stocks. Additionally, escaped farmed fish can interbreed with local wild populations.

To date, over 8,700 chefs and restaurants worldwide have signed a pledge to stop serving ocean-farmed salmon until the industry can operate without causing environmental harm.