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OpEd-Genetically Engineered Salmon Are a Threat
By Congressman Thompson
Washington,
Oct 6 -
The commercial cultivation of genetically-engineered (GE) Atlantic “AquAdvantage” salmon could decimate our domestic salmon fishing industry. Though the current application involves land-based hatching and rearing, FDA approval will almost certainly lead to expanded rearing of these and other GE fish in open ocean net-pens. This poses a significant threat to wild fish and ecosystems.
Up to 5% of the GE eggs would not be sterile and could escape into the wild. Because these GE salmon grow much more rapidly than normal salmon, they would outcompete and eat Pacific salmon and other native species – many of which are listed under the federal Endangered Species Act. FDA’s move to approve GE salmon without serious consideration of their impact on wild native salmon, and consultation with the other federal agencies responsible for managing federally listed Endangered Species, threatens fishing families across the country as well as the millions of federal and state dollars invested to restore wild native salmon.
In addition, the health risks of currently farm raised salmon are well documented. We already know that the toxins in farmed salmon can accumulate to potentially harmful levels. The toxins include mercury and PCB’s (polychlorinated biphenyls) – both of which get more toxic as they move up the food chain, and are nearly impossible to remove from the natural environment. GE salmon would have the same toxins in them. Unfortunately, the FDA appears to have done no analysis on this. This critical concern should at least be evaluated, especially considering the health dangers posed by mercury to women of child bearing age, developing fetuses, infants, and children.
Given the current lack of information and analysis of important potential impacts on human health, native fish and ecosystems, and the inadequate opportunity provided for public input, I don’t believe it is prudent for the FDA to approve GE salmon.
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