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Is the Sockeye Salmon a Safe Fish to Eat?

The sockeye salmon is also known as the red salmon because of its unique bright red body and green head. The fish spends the first half of its life in lakes before moving to oceans and seas for the second half.

  1. Description

    • Adult sockeye salmon can measure up to 2.8 feet and, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, have an average weight of eight pounds.

    Benefits

    • The sockeye salmon has many health benefits when eaten. Salmon is a good source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important in healthy brain and heart functions.

    Mercury

    • Like all fish and shellfish sockeye salmon does contain a certain amount of mercury that can be harmful to the human body. However, according to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA), it falls into the group of fish with the lowest mercury levels.

    Groups

    • Certain groups of people are recommended to restrict their intake of sockeye salmon to two meals or 12 oz per week by the FDA. These groups include women who are or may become pregnant, children and the elderly.

    Recommendations

    • The FDA recommends eating sockeye salmon as part of a healthy diet but that eating large amounts of sockeye salmon can put an individual at risk of mercury poisoning.

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