here is the reply
not Wild Steelhead
Hi Steve,
I apologise for my delayed response. I believe there may have been some misunderstanding with regards to the steelhead trout that you saw on The Observatory’s menu. The steelhead trout that The Observatory is using is actually a farmed steelhead, not wild, that is Ocean Wise recommended.
This steelhead salmon (actually a true trout, since it never spends any time in the ocean) is farmed in Lois Lake in BC. Lois Lake is a man-made dammed lake. Since this farm is not located in the open-ocean there is no risk of damaging the surrounding marine environment. The farm is very strictly managed and they conduct benthic surveys and sampling to ensure the outputs from the farm are within reasonable limits. They have created a wetland for UV treated waste water. Since the farm is located in a man-made lake, there is little risk of parasites or disease being transferred to wild stocks. Overall this farm is committed to continuous improvement.
I hope this has helped to clarify. If you have any other questions just let me know.
All the best,
Teddie Geach
Ocean Wise Eastern Coordinator
Vancouver Aquarium
Conservation Department
p. 416-764-3093
c. 647-638-6794
www.oceanwise.ca