Chinook salmon farming in New Zealand is generally performing well. The species is farmed in nets in marine and freshwater environments and is largely produced by a few large farms. The farming uses fully traceable feed, but the feed contains relatively high levels of fishmeal and fish oil.
The farming causes high nutrient emissions, which can have a significant local impact on water quality. Impacts on habitats and wildlife generally remain limited and no lethal predator control is used. Escapes are possible, but the consequences for wild populations are considered small. Diseases are uncommon, although the consequences of disease transmission to wild salmon are insufficiently known. The use of chemicals and antibiotics is limited.
Management is considered effective. There is one Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) for the expansion of offshore production. Many farms have BAP certification and one farm is ASC-certified. An estimated 95% of New Zealand’s production is independently certified.