OK with genetically modified salmon

This letter is in response to the article titled: “What’s for dinner? Genetically engineered salmon OK’d by FDA.”

While I understand the concerns of genetically modified food, AquaBounty’s new fish may be able to prevent over-fishing of wild salmon. If the salmon market wants to meet the demand of a growing population, they cannot simply rely on the harvesting methods we have now.

If the FDA is correct in stating, “there are no material differences between an engineered and a normal salmon,” then the health concerns have been addressed. AquaBounty’s fish would be able to feed a growing population, without further endangering the existing salmon species due to overfishing.

Allowing a transgenetic fish in our food market is a valid concern. It may seem like a gateway to further unnatural food manipulation. However, if this salmon is properly contained and has the same material qualities, it may be a necessary alternative to overfishing.

When it comes down to it, the demand for salmon in the Pacific Northwest is not decreasing. According to this article, AquaBounty’s salmon can grow to market size in 16 months to 18 months, which is half the time it takes a normal salmon. If we want to meet the market demand without endangering the existing salmon population, we may have to resort to genetically modified salmon.

This story was originally published November 28, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "OK with genetically modified salmon."