There is no evidence Atlantic salmon successfully interbreed with Pacific salmon. In the last century, attempts were made to introduce Atlantic salmon into Washington and 33 other states without success. The last attempt occurred in Washington in 1981 by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. There are no known self-sustaining wild Atlantic salmon populations in Washington waters. State and national fisheries experts say there is a low risk that Atlantic salmon could be established here.
Each state’s approach differs. Alaska prohibits raising or farming Atlantic salmon. Oregon does not prohibit Atlantic salmon aquaculture while California has adopted a more complicated approach to finfish aquaculture in general and Atlantic salmon specifically.
With the largest marine finfish aquaculture in the United States, Washington's eight marine net pens produce about 17 million pounds of Atlantic salmon annually.