Turkish Salmon versus Global Salmon: The Microplastic Threat to Food Security

Turkish salmon versus Global Salmon

Abstract

As a key component of global aquaculture, salmon production plays an essential role in ensuring global food security by providing a high-nutrition, low-carbon source of animal protein. In recent years, Turkish salmon (Oncorhynchus mykiss farmed in the Black Sea) has become a powerhouse in international mariculture, driving substantial economic growth and positioning itself as a premium and highly competitive alternative to the global trade in seafood. However, this fast-growing sector is facing unique environmental challenges compared to the traditionally recognised Atlantic salmon species (Salmo salar). This study assesses the food security impacts of the two aquaculture models through the lens of microplastic (MP) contamination. Recent spectroscopic tests (ATR-FTIR) reveal a clear difference in the abundance of MP and the polymer profile of both species. Interestingly, despite the high anthropogenic pressure on its marine environment, Turkish salmon show a lower overall microplastic load, averaging on average 1.38±0,31  items/gr of fish muscle, compared to the global average of 3.94 ±0,72 items/gr of fish muscle  of Atlantic salmon. This difference is largely attributed to the shorter production life of Turkish salmon and to the extensive long-term exposure of Atlantic salmon to degrading industrial farming equipment such as heavy nylon cages and commercial feedingstuffs. In Turkish salmon, the detected particulates are mainly characterised by polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) fibres less than 100 nm, while Atlantic salmon shows a higher concentration of structural polymers associated with the agricultural infrastructure. As Turkish salmon is an increasingly important pillar of regional food security and an export commodity in high demand, its lower levels of microplastic accumulation further strengthen its position as a safe and premium source of protein. This comparative analysis shows that although the local marine environment presents different dynamics for MP, proactive monitoring can protect the market. In order to protect the international reputation and long-term sustainability of this booming aquaculture sector, robust frameworks for the monitoring of microplastics should be integrated into national food security policies