A Second Attempt to Ban Genetically Engineered Salmon

Genetically engineered (GE) salmon: Swimming to a grocery store near you? Massachusetts-based AquaBounty Technologies has developed a salmon with genes from a Chinook mashed up with a gene from ocean pout (similar to an eel) to produce a Frankenfish that will grow twice as fast as natural salmon. The fish is currently awaiting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in a process that looks disturbingly rushed.

Not so fast, say Alaska's senators Mark Begich (D) and Lisa Murkowski (R). The senators reintroduced a bill Tuesday co-sponsored by Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) to ban GE salmon. But because it looks so likely that the FDA will approve the fish, the senators also introduced a second bill co-sponsored by Murray and Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) that would require labeling of GE salmon in the event that the Frankenfish is approved.

In her press release, Murkowski expressed strong opposition to the FDA approval of genetically engineered salmon. “It is completely irresponsible for the FDA to even consider this action without evaluating the impacts on Alaska’s wild salmon fisheries," Murkowski said. "The FDA has not studied the environmental effects, let alone the economic impacts on the salmon and seafood markets that would result from approval.”

Wenona Hauter, Executive Director of Food & Water Watch confirms that the evaluation has been thin at best. In a recent interview, Hauter said that there had been no environmental impact statement, only a tw0-week comment period, and that three of the four food safety studies had not been peer reviewed. Food & Water Watch used the Freedom of Information Act to read opinions from scientists and officials from the Fish and Wildlife Service, many of which expressed concern. "Sounds like Jurassic Park," one member said. Fish and Wildlife has not been part of discussions over approving GE salmon, and there have been no long-term studies on the implications of introducing GE salmon. We can only imagine the damage should some of these fish escape into the larger population.

Given the alleged pressure the White House has exerted to green-light GE alfalfa, it's not hard to imagine the industry and political pressure to approve GE salmon as well. Want the FDA to slow down and do a more thorough investigation of the risks? Sign Food & Water Watch's petition and ask your senators to support the bill to ban GE salmon.

Photo credit: Maggie Hoffman via Flickr