Decades-Old Canned Salmon Unveils Unexpected Discovery

Researchers from the University of Washington have discovered that expired cans of salmon, dating back to the 1970s, serve as a valuable archive for studying marine parasites, specifically anisakid worms. These parasites, harmless to humans when canned, provide insights into the health of marine ecosystems, as their presence indicates a stable or recovering environment. The study found an increase in worm numbers in chum and pink salmon over time, suggesting a healthy ecosystem, while levels in coho and sockeye remained stable. This novel approach could lead to further ecological discoveries.