"Fish of Frankenstein" will hit stores and restaurants by 2012. (Photo by National Geographic.)
Genetically modified salmon, bred by the American company Aqua Bounty Technologies, is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe as any other species of Atlantic salmon
The transgenic salmon, which grows two to three times faster than normal individuals, has been bred by manipulating growth hormone. In addition, genes for the American eelpout and chinook salmon have been added to the fish, which stimulate the production of growth hormone during salmon development. One year after hatching from eggs, the transgenic salmon weighs 1,340 g; compare with 663 g of regular Atlantic salmon and rejoice for the fish.
GM fish reaches a commercial size by 18-24 months, while individuals of a normal species - only by 30.
The FDA has scheduled a general meeting for September 19 to focus on genetically modified fish. In the course of preliminary analyzes, which are being prepared for the event, the department's experts found that GM-salmon "is as safe to eat as its Atlantic counterparts." There were no “biologically significant differences” in the content of vitamins, minerals and fatty acids in the transgenic fish. Experts say it is unlikely that GM salmon could cause significant harm to the environment. In their opinion, the chances of fish "escape" from farms and their reproduction in the wild are extremely small, since the new breed is practically sterile.
Aqua Bounty officials, encouraged by the FDA's conclusion, said the transgenic salmon breeding technology would support the country's fishing industry and reduce the environmental impact of overfishing. It is expected that GM salmon roe will be allowed for breeding season as early as this year. With this development, transgenic fish will reach stores and restaurants by 2012. And if in supermarkets such salmon is marked as genetically modified, then the restaurant menu will do without any marks, so visitors will gobble up "Frankenstein fish" without suspecting anything.
Well, British scientists are now working on the creation of transgenic versions of tilapia and carp …
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