Genetically modified salmon poses serious environmental risks. It just takes one of these salmon to escape and it could radically change the genetics of wild populations, the impact of which would be completely unknown and could be disastrous.
For this reason, countries have been hesitant about allowing the commercial farming of such fish. Canada, however, seems to be relaxing on the issue, having just allowed a biotech firm to export a hundred thousand GM salmon eggs to an experimental site in Central America.
The company concerned, AquaBounty, is of course delighted. It has been battling for years to get its fish on sale and sees this as a big step forward.
The environmental risks are not worth it. Tell Canada to say “no” to GM fish
We the undersigned are extremely concerned that Canada is now allowing the production and export of genetically modified salmon eggs. The impact on aquatic ecosystems if genetically modified fish escape, and some almost certainly will if they are ever farmed commercially, could be devastating. Such ecosystems are facing enough threats already without allowing biotech firms to introduce new ones.
We ask that you reconsider the decision to let AquaBounty export genetically modified salmon eggs.
Thank you for your attention.
