> Atlantic salmon are larger than native species on the coast, so more business value. They also grow faster than than native salmon.

You've missed the point. Of course they do it because it makes business sense. That's the whole point of a business.

What remains a mystery is why on earth would they be farming an invasive specie right in the ecosystem they are a threat.

You're answering your own question : they do it because it makes business sense and they probably won't be the one to pay for the damages (not personally at least)

> they do it because it makes business sense

That's far from being the point, and it doesn't answer anything at all.

I mean, I assume this "environmental nightmare" happened on a fish farming business located in Washington. After a brief googling, it appears that Aquaculture companies in Washington are required to apply for a commercial license.

http://wdfw.wa.gov/licensing/commercial/misc_additional_perm...

Why on earth would a commercial license be granted to a business that involves introducing invasive species on a protected ecosystem?

Primary industries have a lot more political clout than environmental protection. Primary industries generate tax dollars for the government; conservation consumes it.

My guess would be the abundance of nice sheltered inlets for net pens.

My sister is a marine biologist for a fish farming company (not the one involved in the article). My understanding from past discussions with her is that there have been attempts to farm some of the species of pacific salmon, but they have not yet figured out how to get good yields.

Well, you said it yourself, business.

why are there nuclear plants right next to where people live?

I think parent is asking why on the _coast_