Today we’re releasing something that took courage, patience, and months of meticulous undercover work—our return investigation of Cooke Aquaculture’s Maine salmon hatchery.
Back in 2019, we exposed shocking cruelty at this facility. The company promised reforms. Industry certifiers gave their stamp of approval. But here’s what actually happened: workers openly mocked our first investigation while continuing to brutalize fish. One employee even bragged about throwing fish “like a basketball” while yelling “Kobe.”
Here’s what goes into an investigation like this:
Our investigator spent months working as a Hatchery Technician, documenting everything from systematic animal cruelty to environmental violations that threaten wild salmon populations. They witnessed fish being clubbed unsuccessfully—one thrashed for 43 seconds after the initial blow.
They filmed contaminated feed being used despite protocols. They recorded workers admitting that containment screens designed to protect wild ecosystems were “pretty much just kept up all the time.”
The Hatchery Manager’s own words tell the story: “Unfortunately, I don’t think the company is in it for the fish health side, they just want fish production.”
This is why our work matters. When corporations prioritize profit over welfare and certifications fail to protect animals, investigative journalism becomes essential. Our team doesn’t just expose cruelty—we document patterns, gather evidence, and build cases that drive real accountability.
And here’s the thing: every person who chooses plant-based seafood alternatives removes their support from this system. You’re not just making a meal choice—you’re voting with your fork for a food system that doesn’t rely on suffering. One person going plant-based saves approximately 225 fish per year. That’s direct, measurable impact.
We see this work as an extension of the compassion most of us already practice daily. If you’d hold the door for someone or help a neighbor, you already have the values that align with protecting animals.
Ready to dive deeper? Watch the full investigation, see the evidence, and take action. Whether you’re already plant-based, exploring options, or just learning about these issues—there’s a role for you in building a more just food system.
Because accountability isn’t optional. And neither is our commitment to exposing the truth. 🔍💙