Response to New York Times Article: Salmon Virus Indicts Chile's Fishing Methods

MIAMI, March 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by
Salmon of the Americans Inc. in response to the New York Times article, Salmon
Virus Indicts Chile's Fishing Methods, by Alexei Barrionuevo:

Considering the article written in the New York Times, our association must
clarify some of the issues incorrectly raised regarding the salmon anemia
virus (ISA) and the boldly erroneous reference to the lack of sanitary
controls as contributing factors. ISA has been been found in most Salmon
Farming countries and today is controlled by strict government regulations.

The article lacks merit by referencing the use of hormones to make the fish
grow faster. Hormones have never been used in the history of salmon farming in
Chile. This malicious statement that hormones are used is false and serves to
dissuade consumers from eating farmed Salmon, the safest of all fish according
to the study requested by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association
(NOAA) and published by the Institute of Medicine. (see link below)

(http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/37/686/11762_Seafood%20Choices%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf).

Equally irresponsible is the unfounded implication that farmed salmon must be
to blame for the reduced catch and flabby texture of the locally caught
Robalo. A sound bite from a local fisherman might add spice to the article,
but it does little to add to its credibility.

It is important to note that the infrequent administration of approved
antibiotics to the Salmon is done only under the close supervision by
certified veterinarians and complies with all governmental regulations - just
as it does in the Cattle, Pork and the Poultry industry. A zero tolerance of
antibiotics residue is mandatory in farmed salmon and all production is
controlled before harvesting is permitted by the Chilean government as well as
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is patently false to state that
consumers will be purchasing farmed salmon with any type of medicinal residue.

Salmon of the Americas Inc. (SOTA) is a U.S. based non-profit association of
U.S., Chilean, and Canadian salmon farming companies. Its mission is to
promote the many health benefits of eating salmon.

SOURCE Salmon of the Americas

Laura McNaughton of Salmon of the Americas, +1- 305-266-7670,
laura@salmonoftheamericas.com