The decision by the Target Corporation, which has over 1,500 food selling outlets in North America, could eventually means problems for Norwegian and Scottish salmon producers which have been selling heavily into the United States recently following the outbreak of fish disease in Chile. However, the move will be a major boost for Alaskan fishermen and fish producers in that region. The discount giant said it wanted to ensure that its salmon was "sourced in a sustainable way that helps to preserve abundance, species health and doesn't harm local habitats."

Amy Reilly, a spokesperson for the Target Corporation, said that environmental sustainability was important to the company.

"It's important to our guests, and we want to make sure that we're selling the most responsible seafood offerings that we can," she added. "Our buyers are really passionate about this and they have worked with scientists and organizations and they've really researched this. They flew out to Alaska to visit some fisheries to really see first hand the amazing quality of the salmon that comes from the salmon fisheries there."

Jim Marcotte, Executive Director of the Alaska Board of Fisheries hailed the decision as great news for the state of Alaska and its fishing industry. "I think from my perspective and as well as the Board of Fisheries perspective that's a very positive development. It highlights the importance of Alaska's role in the global seafood market, and that is that we market, an excellent product with wild Alaska salmon," he added. However, the fish farming industry has hit back saying that techniques have improved and farming can no longer be considered as harmful to the environment or damaging to the natural salmon population.

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