Is There Salmon in the Caribbean?

Salmon is one of the most popular and prized fish varieties worldwide. But this cold water species is not native to the warm tropical waters of the Caribbean. So is salmon found in the Caribbean at all?

The short answer is yes – salmon is available in the Caribbean. But it is not locally caught. The salmon sold in the Caribbean is imported usually frozen from other major fishing grounds.

Let’s take a closer look at the reasons there is no native salmon fishing in the Caribbean, and how imported salmon makes its way to Caribbean seafood markets and menus.

Why Isn’t Salmon Native to the Caribbean?

Salmon are anadromous fish, meaning they hatch in freshwater rivers and streams, migrate to saltwater oceans to grow and mature, and return to their birth rivers to spawn.

This lifecycle requires specific conditions not found in the Caribbean:

• Cool Water – Salmon thrive in cooler water of 50-60°F. Caribbean sea temps average 80°F, too warm for salmon survival.

• Strong Rivers – Salmon require fast-flowing rivers and streams to swim upstream to spawn. The Caribbean lacks this geography.

• Food Supply – Sustaining wild salmon populations relies on ample prey like herring or krill. The Caribbean lacks enough cold water food sources.

So the warm water, lack of salmon spawning rivers, and insufficient food supply make the Caribbean uninhabitable for wild, reproducing salmon populations.

Where is the Caribbean’s Salmon Imported From?

Nearly all of the fresh and frozen salmon sold in the Caribbean originates from major salmon fishing areas in:

• Alaska – Known for Pacific sockeye, coho, chum and pink salmon.

• Norway – Major source of Atlantic farmed salmon.

• Chile – Leading producer of coho and rainbow trout salmon.

• Canada – Supplies all 5 Pacific salmon species – chinook, sockeye, coho, chum and pink.

• Scotland – Known for high-quality Atlantic salmon from river and sea farming.

• Russia – Key source of wild Pacific salmon species.

The salmon is caught or farmed in these colder regions then imported frozen or fresh packed to the Caribbean islands and coastal countries.

How is Imported Salmon Sold in the Caribbean?

The demand for salmon in the Caribbean has grown steadily over the past 20 years. Hotels, restaurants, markets and supermarkets now offer various salmon options:

• Fresh fillets kept packed on ice.

• Frozen fillets, often deboned and skinless.

• Canned or pouched salmon.

• Smoked salmon slices and spreads.

• Popular salmon dishes on menus like salmon ceviche, salmon burgers, and Cajun blackened salmon.

• Higher-end sushi bars serving salmon sashimi and rolls.

• Luxury food stores stocking premium salmon caviar.

So while not fished locally, quality salmon is readily available across the Caribbean thanks to efficient global importing networks meeting the demand.

Are There Any Salmon Farms in the Caribbean?

There have been some attempts at salmon aquaculture farms in cool enough Caribbean mountain waters. A former salmon farm in the Dominican Republic had success for a few years before economics forced its closure.

But in general, salmon farming has not proved sustainable in the Caribbean for a few reasons:

• The year-round warm tropical water often exceeds salmon’s temperature tolerance.

• Limited availability of deep, flowing water sites with required oxygen levels.

• High operation costs and environmental regulations make farming economically challenging.

So while small niche farms may occasional operate, large-scale commercial salmon aquaculture has not succeeded in the Caribbean. Wild harvesting or ocean cage farming in northern latitudes is far more productive and cost-effective.

Will Salmon Ever Be Native to the Caribbean?

While imported salmon provides the Caribbean with this popular fish, it seems unlikely that wild self-sustaining salmon populations will establish themselves in the warm Caribbean waters.

The competition from faster, more aggressive, warm-water predator fish make survival difficult for more vulnerable coldwater salmon. And the lack of ideal spawning rivers hinders reproduction.

But never say never. With global climate change warming ocean waters, it’s possible Pacific or Atlantic salmon could adapt to extend their range over time into new southern territories like the Caribbean.

The Bottom Line

So while the Caribbean’s warm waters mean salmon will never thrive there naturally, global trade makes quality salmon readily available. As salmon remains in high demand worldwide, you can enjoy fresh fillets or classic salmon dishes throughout the islands thanks to efficient importing and air freight delivery.