Alaskans Say Whoa to Salmon GMO

The Alaskan Legislature has passed a resolution calling for the USDA to further investigate the effects of producing genetically engineered (GE) salmon. Rep. Geran Tarr of Anchorage is also calling for the federal government to require labeling genetically modified salmon if it is to be sold.

The Alaskan Senate unanimously passed the resolution. It had unanimously passed the House the last month. Concerns have been raised about GE salmon by Alaska’s congressional delegation and the resolution is in line with those concerns.

A Draft finding released by the FDA found that genetically modified salmon that grows twice as fast as normal salmon is unlikely to harm the environment. However, the draft assessment stated hat it did not take into account the social, economic and cultural effects of introducing modified salmon into the marketplace.

Eastern Canada has successfully challenge the use of open pen salmon feedlots on the grounds of ecological damage to the bays. Scientists have also verified the presence of lice on pen raised salmon in super markets. The chemicals used in open pens in an effort to control these lice are known to kill lobster. Lobster has become the primary fishing industry in Eastern Canada.