Future of Food: This genetically engineered salmon may hit U.S. markets as early as 2020

Summary

The PBS NewsHour Weekend special series 'The Future of Food' explores the debate over genetically-modified salmon by AquaBounty. The company's 'AquAdvantage' salmon, engineered to grow twice as fast while consuming less feed, has faced regulatory scrutiny and controversy over health and environmental concerns. Despite FDA approval and Canadian government endorsement, labeling remains a contentious issue, with some fearing the impact on wild salmon stocks and the need for transparent consumer information.

Takeaways

• 🌏 The PBS NewsHour Weekend is launching a special series called 'The Future of Food,' focusing on global efforts to combat food scarcity and waste.
• 🐟 Fish is a crucial protein source globally, with consumption at an all-time high, leading to overfishing and the rise of aquaculture.
• 🛠️ AquaBounty Technologies is producing genetically-engineered 'AquAdvantage' salmon, which grow twice as fast as regular salmon while consuming less feed.
• 🏭 The company operates with a small team across facilities in Canada and the U.S., aiming to introduce their product to the American market.
• 🔬 The development of genetically-engineered salmon began in the late 1980s at Memorial University's Ocean Sciences Center in Newfoundland, Canada.
• 🧬 Physiologist Garth Fletcher pioneered the idea of altering Atlantic salmon DNA to keep growth hormones active year-round, using a gene from the ocean pout.
• 🆚 The genetically-engineered salmon are significantly larger than their non-GE counterparts at the same age, showcasing the impact of the technology.
• 🇺🇸 The majority of Atlantic salmon consumed in the U.S. is imported, as wild Atlantic salmon is endangered and ocean farming is limited.
• 🏞️ AquaBounty's GE salmon could be farmed in various locations, reducing transportation costs and carbon footprint.
• 🏛️ The FDA approved AquAdvantage salmon in 2015, deeming it safe and environmentally non-impactful, despite significant public opposition.
• 🏷️ There is controversy over labeling GE salmon, with some arguing for transparency and others citing the similarity to traditional food products.
• 🔒 Measures are in place to prevent GE salmon from escaping and breeding with wild populations, including microchipping and sterilization processes.

Q & A

What is the PBS NewsHour Weekend special series called and what is its focus?

The PBS NewsHour Weekend special series is called 'The Future of Food.' It focuses on stories around the world where efforts to fight food scarcity and waste are ongoing.

Why is fish an important protein source globally and what challenges does aquaculture face?

Fish is an important protein source for many people around the world because it is consumed more than ever before. Aquaculture has taken off to meet demand, but it faces environmental problems similar to those of land-based farming.

What is the significance of the genetically-engineered salmon produced by AquaBounty?

The genetically-engineered salmon, known as AquAdvantage, is significant because it grows twice as fast as regular salmon while consuming less feed, which could help meet the world's demand for fish and address some environmental issues associated with fish farming.

What was the initial idea behind creating genetically-engineered salmon?

The initial idea was to alter the DNA of Atlantic salmon to make it grow more quickly by keeping its growth hormones active all year round, inspired by the creation of the first genetically-modified mouse.

How did the genetically-engineered salmon come to be approved for consumption in the United States?

After a long process that began in 1995, the FDA approved the AquAdvantage salmon in 2015, stating it is 'safe to eat,' has 'no significant impact on the environment,' and found 'no biologically relevant differences' between it and other farm-raised salmon.

What is the controversy surrounding the labeling of genetically-engineered salmon?

The controversy is that there is no requirement for restaurants or food services to label genetically-engineered salmon, and it is not explicitly labeled in Canadian stores either. This has led to concerns about consumer rights to know what they are eating.

Why is Senator Lisa Murkowski against the sale of AquAdvantage salmon in the U.S.?

Senator Lisa Murkowski is concerned about the potential impact of genetically-engineered salmon on Alaska's wild stocks and the state's identity tied to its seafood industry. She also believes in the importance of clear labeling for consumers.

What measures does AquaBounty take to prevent the genetically-engineered salmon from escaping and affecting wild populations?

AquaBounty uses multiple containment barriers and filter systems to prevent fish from escaping. Additionally, about 99% of the salmon are made sterile through a special process, reducing the risk of them breeding with wild salmon.

How does the genetically-engineered salmon differ from regular salmon in terms of growth rate and feed consumption?

The genetically-engineered salmon grows twice as fast as regular salmon and consumes less feed, making it a more efficient and potentially more sustainable option for fish farming.

What is the role of Yonathan Zohar in the approval process of genetically-engineered salmon?

Yonathan Zohar, a marine biotechnology expert, provided expertise to the FDA during its decision-making process on whether to approve the genetically-engineered salmon.

What are the potential benefits of using genetically-engineered salmon in aquaculture to meet global food security needs?

The use of genetically-engineered salmon could help meet the growing demand for fish, reduce the pressure on wild fish stocks, and potentially lower transportation costs and carbon footprint by enabling local production.