Alaska Fishermen Concerned GM Salmon Could Harm $6.4 Billion Fishing Industry

Not only is it possible that the US Food and Drug Administration’s approval of AquaBounty’s GM salmon will harm the environment, Alaska fishermen are concerned the GM fish could tank the fishing industry.

AquaBounty’s salmon have been genetically altered to contain growth-promoting genes from Pacific chinook and an eel-like fish called the ocean pout. They are said to grow up to 4 times faster than regular salmon, which might seem like a boon to the fishing industry, but fisherman are concerned of another outcome which could damage their livelihoods.

Read more: http://naturalsociety.com/alaska-fishermen-concerned-gm-salmon-could-harm-6-4-billion-fishing-industry/#ixzz3tCeQmXuJ
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ALASKA FISHERMEN CONCERNED GM SALMON COULD HARM $6.4 BILLION FISHING INDUSTRY

AquaBounty’s salmon have been genetically altered to contain growth-promoting genes from Pacific chinook and an eel-like fish called the ocean pout. They are said to grow up to 4 times faster than regular salmon, which might seem like a boon to the fishing industry, but fisherman are concerned of another outcome which could damage their livelihoods.

It is possible that the GM fish could escape farms and outcompete or breed with wild fish. There is already evidence that they could easily breed with a close cousin, the brown trout. To reduce that threat, AquaBounty plans to grow its creations in terrestrial tanks in Panama and Canada, and will only rear sterile females. [1]

Alaska Fishermen Concerned GM Salmon Could Harm $6.4 Billion Fishing Industry