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For all the good that salmon and other fatty fish promise for human health, there is reasonable cause for concern. Two major problems are pollution of the seas and oceans, and problems with aquaculture. Dr. Weil describes what many already know — the oceans of the planet are gravely polluted with environmental toxins that are deadly for sea creatures and for human beings. According to Dr. Weil, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls, which are carcinogens commonly known as PCBs, infect lakes, rivers and oceans.
A 2006 study by the University of Maryland’s Center for Food, Nutrition and Agriculture Policy revealed that "only 36 percent of Americans eat fish once a week or more, while nearly a third of us (29 percent) eat fish once a month or less." The drop in Americans eating fish is related to warnings about mercury in fish. The problem trumps the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the American Heart Association, which recommend eating two servings of fish per week. All hope is not lost.
However, there is hope: if one follows guidelines for purchasing fish, one can enjoy fresh salmon and its rich health benefits, and help bring some species back from the brink of extinction.
