"Yes ALA is essential, I haven't said it isn't. I have said that the body converts very little of it into EPA and DHA, both of which are also essential in larger amounts than what is provided by flax seed oil."

That is debatable. Many would disagree with that, especially for those who do not have high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

"Can I ask why you are so keen on salmon oil?"

If you are taking fish oil to get EPA and DHA, then why not choose the oil that has the highest percentage of its fats from EPA and DHA. In addition to having less EPA and DHA than salmon oil, some of the other fish oils may have much higher levels of mercury and other polutants.