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.

Outlines

00:00

🐟 Launch of 'The Future of Food' Series and Genetically-Modified Salmon Debate

The PBS NewsHour Weekend initiates a special series called 'The Future of Food,' focusing on global efforts to combat food scarcity and waste. Author Mark Bittman introduces the first story on genetically-modified (G.M.) salmon, emphasizing the growing demand for fish as a protein source and the challenges of overfishing and environmental issues in aquaculture. A company named AquaBounty produces a G.E. salmon, branded 'AquAdvantage,' which grows faster and requires less feed, aiming to address some of these challenges. However, critics argue that this represents a hazardous step. The narrative takes us to Prince Edward Island, Canada, where AquaBounty's salmon are raised in a secretive facility. The company's C.T.O., Ron Stotish, defends the use of technology for future food security and discusses the process and history of developing the AquAdvantage salmon, which began in the 1980s at Memorial University's Ocean Sciences Center in Newfoundland.

05:00

🛑 Controversy Over G.E. Salmon's Approval and Labeling

The second paragraph delves into the controversy surrounding the approval and potential environmental and health impacts of G.E. salmon. AquaBounty first sought FDA approval in 1995, and after two decades of rigorous scrutiny, the FDA approved the AquAdvantage salmon in 2015, deeming it safe for consumption with no significant environmental impact. Despite this approval, there was significant opposition, with nearly two million public comments and many retailers refusing to sell the product. The Canadian government also approved the salmon, and although it has been sold in modest quantities, opponents like Sharon Labchuk from Earth Action continue to express concerns about long-term health effects and the ethics of genetic manipulation. The debate also includes the issue of consumer labeling, with some arguing for clear labeling of G.E. products, while others, like Senator Lisa Murkowski, push for more explicit labeling requirements to ensure transparency.

10:00

🏭 AquaBounty's Production and the Future of G.E. Salmon in the U.S. Market

The final paragraph discusses AquaBounty's preparations for production in the U.S. and the potential implications for the market. With the U.S. Department of Agriculture issuing labeling guidelines for genetically-engineered foods, AquaBounty is poised to begin business in the U.S., possibly as early as fall 2020. The company's salmon could be sold in various outlets, including restaurants, where no labeling is required. The paragraph also addresses concerns about the escape of G.E. salmon into the wild, with AquaBounty's C.T.O. explaining the stringent containment measures in place and the use of sterilization processes to prevent breeding with wild populations. Aquaculture expert Jonathan Zohar supports the potential of G.E. salmon to help meet the growing demand for seafood and reduce the pressure on overfished oceans, while also acknowledging the need for improved sterilization technology.

Keywords

💡Genetically-Modified Salmon

Genetically-Modified Salmon refers to Atlantic salmon that have been engineered to grow faster than their natural counterparts. In the video's context, this is achieved by altering their DNA to keep growth hormones active year-round. This technology is central to the narrative as it addresses the future of food security and the debate over the safety and ethics of genetically-engineered food.

💡Aquaculture

Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants. The script discusses the growth of aquaculture as a response to overfishing and the need for sustainable food production. It is highlighted as tripling production in the last 20 years, indicating its importance in the future of food.

💡Food Scarcity

Food scarcity refers to a situation where there is not enough food to meet the needs of a population. The video series aims to explore this issue, particularly in relation to the role of genetically-modified organisms in addressing the problem. The script implies that innovative solutions like genetically-engineered salmon could be part of the answer to global food scarcity.

💡Overfishing

Overfishing is the act of catching fish at a rate that is faster than their capacity to reproduce, leading to a depletion of fish stocks. The script mentions that one-third of the world's stocks are overfished, which underscores the need for alternative methods of fish production like aquaculture.

💡AquAdvantage

AquAdvantage is the trademarked name given to the genetically-engineered salmon produced by AquaBounty. The term is used in the script to denote the specific product that grows twice as fast as regular salmon while consuming less feed, illustrating the potential benefits of genetic engineering in food production.

💡Food Security

Food security encompasses the availability of food, access to it, and the ability to consume a safe and nutritious diet. The video discusses the role of genetically-modified salmon in meeting the global food security needs of the future, suggesting that technological innovation can contribute to sustainable food systems.

💡Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering is a process that involves directly manipulating an organism's genes using biotechnology. In the script, it is used to describe the method by which the Atlantic salmon's DNA is altered to enhance growth rates. This concept is central to the ethical and safety debates presented in the video.

💡FDA Approval

FDA Approval refers to the process by which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration evaluates the safety and efficacy of food products, including genetically-engineered organisms. The script details the lengthy and contentious approval process for AquAdvantage salmon, which took two decades and sparked significant public debate.

💡Labeling

Labeling in the context of the video pertains to the requirement for food products to disclose their genetically-modified status on packaging. The script discusses the controversy surrounding the lack of clear labeling for genetically-engineered salmon, highlighting consumer rights to知情权 and the potential impact on the market.

💡Sterilization

Sterilization, as mentioned in the script, refers to the process used by AquaBounty to make most of their genetically-engineered salmon sterile, reducing the risk of them interbreeding with wild populations if they were to escape. This is a key measure to mitigate potential environmental impacts.

💡Environmental Impact

Environmental impact is the effect of a product, policy, or activity on the environment. The script discusses concerns about the potential ecological consequences of genetically-engineered salmon, including the risk of escape and interbreeding with wild salmon populations, as well as broader debates about the sustainability of aquaculture.

Highlights

Launch of PBS NewsHour Weekend's special series 'The Future of Food' focusing on combating food scarcity and waste globally.

Introduction of genetically-modified salmon by AquaBounty, aiming to address environmental issues and meet the world's protein demand.

Aquaculture's growth, tripling production in the last 20 years, as one-third of the world's fish stocks are overfished.

The development of genetically-engineered salmon that grows faster while consuming less feed, potentially revolutionizing fish farming.

The story of genetically-engineered salmon began in the 1980s at Memorial University's Ocean Sciences Center in Newfoundland, Canada.

Invention by Garth Fletcher, a physiologist, who altered salmon DNA to keep growth hormones active all year round.

AquaBounty's salmon, branded 'AquAdvantage,' is set to be available on the American market, pending FDA approval.

The potential of land-based aquaculture to reduce transportation costs and carbon footprint by producing fish closer to consumers.

The controversy and public opposition to genetically-engineered salmon, with concerns over health and environmental impacts.

FDA approval of AquAdvantage salmon in 2015, declaring it safe to eat with no significant environmental impact.

Canadian government's approval and initial market response to genetically-engineered salmon.

Lack of labeling requirements for genetically-engineered salmon in restaurants and food services.

Debate over the ethics of manipulating the DNA of living beings and the long-term health effects of consuming genetically-modified foods.

Senator Lisa Murkowski's efforts to delay the sale of AquAdvantage salmon in the U.S. over concerns for Alaska's seafood industry.

AquaBounty's measures to prevent the escape of genetically-engineered salmon and ensure they are sterile.

Expert opinion on the safety and potential benefits of genetically-engineered salmon in addressing the global seafood crisis.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's issuance of labeling guidelines for genetically-engineered foods.

Aquabounty's preparation for market entry in the U.S. with potential availability as early as Fall 2020.

Transcripts

>> Sreenivasan: TONIGHT, WE

LAUNCH A PBS NEWSHOUR WEEKEND

SPECIAL SERIES, "THE FUTURE OF

FOOD."

OVER THE COMING MONTHS, WE'LL

FOCUS ON STORIES AROUND THE

WORLD WHERE EFFORTS TO FIGHT

FOOD SCARCITY AND WASTE ARE

ONGOING.

HERE'S AUTHOR MARK BITTMAN TO

INTRODUCE OUR FIRST STORY IN THE

SERIES ON THE DEBATE OVER

GENETICALLY-MODIFIED SALMON.

>> Bittman: FISH IS AN IMPORTANT

PROTEIN SOURCE FOR MANY PEOPLE

AROUND THE WORLD, AND WE'RE

EATING MORE OF IT THAN EVER

BEFORE.

AND WITH ONE-THIRD OF THE

WORLD'S STOCKS OVERFISHED,

AQUACULTURE HAS TAKEN OFF,

TRIPLING PRODUCTION IN THE LAST

20 YEARS.

YET TO DATE, FISH FARMING HAS

STRUGGLED WITH ENVIRONMENTAL

PROBLEMS JUST LIKE LAND-BASED

FARMING HAS.

ONE SMALL COMPANY IS PRODUCING A

GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED SALMON IT

SAYS COULD HELP SOLVE SOME OF

THESE PROBLEMS AND HELP MEET THE

WORLD'S DEMAND.

OTHERS SAY IT'S A DANGEROUS STEP

IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.

MEGAN THOMPSON HAS MORE.

THIS REPORT IS SUPPORTED IN

PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PULITZER

CENTER.

>> Reporter: IF YOU FLY TO THE

TINY PROVINCE OF PRINCE EDWARD

ISLAND ON CANADA'S EASTERN

COAST, THEN DRIVE ABOUT AN HOUR

EAST OUT OF THE CAPITAL CITY,

YOU'LL FINALLY COME TO A SMALL,

UNMARKED BUILDING GUARDED BY A

CHAIN-LINK FENCE.

THERE'S NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT IT

OUTSIDE, BUT INSIDE IS ANOTHER

STORY.

THESE TANKS CONTAIN THE ONLY

GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED ANIMAL IN

THE WORLD THAT'S BEEN DEEMED

SAFE TO EAT: ATLANTIC SALMON

MODIFIED TO GROW FASTER.

>> USING NEW TECHNOLOGY IS AN

INTELLIGENT WAY TO MEET THE

GLOBAL FOOD SECURITY NEEDS OF

THE FUTURE.

>> Reporter: RON STOTISH IS

CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER OF

AQUABOUNTY, THE COMPANY

PRODUCING THE GENETICALLY-

ENGINEERED, OR "G.E.," SALMON.

>> WE'RE GOING TO RUN OUT OF

LAND AND RUN OUT OF WATER TO DO

WHAT WE'RE CONTINUING TO DO

UNLESS WE FIND A BETTER WAY TO

DO IT.

>> THEY KNOW IT'S FEEDING TIME.

YEAH, THEY'RE PRETTY HAPPY.

>> Reporter: IT'S A RELATIVELY

SMALL OPERATION MAKING BIG

WAVES-- 50 EMPLOYEES AT THREE

FACILITIES IN CANADA AND THE

U.S., BREEDING, HATCHING AND

GROWING THE SALMON TRADEMARKED

"AQUADVANTAGE."

THEY HOPE TO HAVE IT ON THE

AMERICAN MARKET NEXT YEAR.

IT WILL BE THE FINAL STEP IN A

LONG PROCESS THAT BEGAN IN

ANOTHER PART OF CANADA.

THE STORY OF GENETICALLY-

ENGINEERED SALMON BEGAN NEARLY

THREE DECADES AGO HERE IN

NEWFOUNDLAND, CANADA, AT

MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY'S OCEAN

SCIENCES CENTER, ONE OF THE

WORLD'S LEADING MARINE RESEARCH

LABS.

IN THE 1980s, PHYSIOLOGIST GARTH

FLETCHER AND HIS COLLEAGUES

STARTED READING ABOUT THE FIRST

WORK BEING DONE TO CREATE A

GENETICALLY-MODIFIED MOUSE.

>> AND WE SAID, "WELL, IF THEY

CAN DO THAT IN MICE, MAYBE WE

CAN DO THAT IN FISH."

>> Reporter: FLETCHER CAME UP

WITH THE IDEA OF ALTERING

ATLANTIC SALMON D.N.A. TO GET

THE FISH TO GROW MORE QUICKLY.

>> BECAUSE BEHIND EVERY

PRODUCTION SYSTEM IS AN

ACCOUNTANT THAT SAYS, "ARE WE

MAKING ANY MONEY," YOU KNOW,

"CAN WE PRODUCE THE FISH FASTER,

CAN WE TURN," YOU KNOW, "TURN

THE INVENTORY OVER," TYPE IDEA.

>> Reporter: A SALMON'S GROWTH

HORMONES ARE MORE ACTIVE DURING

CERTAIN TIMES OF THE YEAR.

FLETCHER THOUGHT, WHAT IF HE

COULD GET THE HORMONES TO STAY

ACTIVE ALL THE TIME?

HE TOOK D.N.A. FROM A FISH

CALLED AN OCEAN POUT, WHICH

PRODUCES A SPECIAL PROTEIN ALL

YEAR LONG THAT HELPS IT SURVIVE

IN FRIGID WATERS.

FLETCHER TOOK THE D.N.A. THAT

KEEPS THOSE PROTEINS TURNED ON

AND RUNNING, AND CONNECTED IT

TO A SALMON GROWTH HORMONE GENE

WHICH HAD THE EFFECT OF KEEPING

THE GROWTH HORMONE ON.

>> NOW, IT'S FREE TO RUN SUMMER

AND WINTER IF YOU WISH, ALL YEAR

'ROUND.

>> Reporter: FLETCHER INSERTED

THE GENE INTO HIS SALMON EGGS

AND WAITED TO SEE WHAT WOULD

HAPPEN.

>> SO, IN THE SPRING OF 1990, WE

SAW SOME BIG ONES.

SO, WE SAID, "OOH, MAYBE IT'S

THAT."

>> Reporter: SO, YOU COULD SEE

THAT THESE FISH WERE BIGGER?

>> YEAH, MUCH BIGGER THAN THE

OTHER ONES.

>> Reporter: AS SCIENTISTS

SEEING THAT WHAT YOU'RE DOING IS

WORKING, WHAT DOES THAT FEEL

LIKE?

>> WELL, WE WERE JUST AMAZED,

RIGHT?

>> Reporter: FLETCHER PATENTED

HIS TECHNOLOGY AND STARTED A

COMPANY, WHICH EVENTUALLY BECAME

AQUABOUNTY.

HIS INVENTION IS STILL THE

CENTER OF ITS WORK, A

GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED SALMON

THAT GROWS TWICE AS FAST AS

REGULAR SALMON WHILE ACTUALLY

CONSUMING LESS FEED.

THE DIFFERENCE IS SIGNIFICANT;

THESE FISH ARE BOTH ABOUT TWO

YEARS OLD.

IT'S REALLY HARD TO BELIEVE THAT

THESE SALMON ARE THE SAME AGE,

AND THERE'S SUCH A HUGE SIZE

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO OF

THEM.

>> THIS FISH IS FIVE KILOS,

READY FOR MARKET.

THAT FISH IS A LONG WAYS FROM

MARKET.

>> Reporter: IN THE UNITED

STATES, THE MAJORITY OF THE

SALMON CONSUMED IS ATLANTIC

SALMON, BUT ALMOST ALL OF IT IS

IMPORTED FROM OCEAN FARMS IN

NORWAY, CHILE AND CANADA.

THAT'S BECAUSE, IN THE U.S.,

WILD ATLANTIC SALMON IS

ENDANGERED, SO CATCHING IT IS

ILLEGAL.

OCEAN FARMING IS ONLY PERMITTED

IN A FEW PLACES, AND, UNTIL

RECENTLY, THERE WASN'T MUCH

INTEREST IN EXPENSIVE,

LAND-BASED PRODUCTION LIKE

AQUABOUNTY'S.

>> IF YOU HAVE A FISH THAT GROWS

A LITTLE FASTER, SUCH AS AN

AQUADVANTAGE THAT REACHES MARKET

WEIGHT IN HALF THE TIME, YOU CAN

PRODUCE THOSE FISH ALMOST

ANYWHERE BECAUSE YOU CAN GROW

THEM IN A LAND-BASED AQUACULTURE

FACILITY CLOSER TO CONSUMERS.

SO, YOU CAN REDUCE THE

TRANSPORTATION COST.

YOU CAN REDUCE THE CARBON

FOOTPRINT ASSOCIATED WITH

TRANSPORTATION.

SO, THIS... THIS OPENS UP A

WHOLE NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR GLOBAL

SALMON PRODUCTION.

>> Reporter: RON STOTISH TALKS

OF PRODUCING ATLANTIC SALMON IN

PLACES IT'S NEVER BEEN DONE

BEFORE-- LIKE INDIANA, WHERE

AQUABOUNTY HAS SET UP ITS FIRST

AMERICAN FACILITY.

>> AND THIS IS A... A HOT SMOKED

SALMON PREPARATION FROM A

ROUGHLY FIVE-KILO AQUADVANTAGE

SALMON.

>> Reporter: HE GAVE ME A TASTE

OF THE PRODUCT.

IT'S DELICIOUS.

>> ( LAUGHS )

IT'S VERY GOOD.

>> Reporter: I MEAN, I THINK

SOME PEOPLE MIGHT THINK THAT

THIS WOULD TASTE SOMEHOW

DIFFERENT THAN NON-GENETICALLY-

MODIFIED SALMON, BUT IT TASTES

EXACTLY THE SAME.

>> IT'S EXACTLY THE SAME.

>> Reporter: AQUABOUNTY FIRST

APPLIED FOR APPROVAL FROM THE

U.S. FOOD AND DRUG

ADMINISTRATION IN 1995.

WHILE IT'S BEEN REGULATING

GENETICALLY-MODIFIED PLANTS FOR

MORE THAN 25 YEARS, THE F.D.A.

HAD NEVER APPROVED A

GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED ANIMAL AS

FOOD BEFORE, AND SO IT TOOK THEM

TWO DECADES TO MAKE A DECISION.

AND THERE WAS STIFF OPPOSITION;

PROTESTERS SENT NEARLY TWO

MILLION COMMENTS TO THE F.D.A.

AND NEARLY 80 RETAILERS VOWED

NOT TO SELL IT.

DESPITE THE CONCERNS, IN 2015,

THE F.D.A. APPROVED AQUADVANTAGE

SALMON, SAYING THE PRODUCT IS

"SAFE TO EAT," "HAS NO

SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE

ENVIRONMENT," AND IT FOUND "NO

BIOLOGICALLY RELEVANT

DIFFERENCES" BETWEEN G.E. SALMON

AND OTHER FARM-RAISED SALMON.

THE NEXT YEAR, THE CANADIAN

GOVERNMENT GAVE THE SALMON ITS

STAMP OF APPROVAL, AND

AQUABOUNTY HIT THE MARKET THERE

FIRST, SINCE SELLING A MODEST

20,000 POUNDS OF ITS PRODUCT.

CANADIAN OPPONENTS REMAIN

OUTRAGED.

>> DO WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO

MANIPULATE THE D.N.A. OF ANOTHER

LIVING BEING?

AND... AND I DON'T AGREE THAT

THAT'S SOMETHING THAT HUMANS

SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO.

>> Reporter: SHARON LABCHUK, OF

THE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP EARTH

ACTION, HAS HELPED LEAD THE

FIGHT AGAINST G.E. SALMON IN

CANADA FOR DECADES.

SHE SAYS NO ONE CAN PREDICT WHAT

WILL HAPPEN WHEN PEOPLE START

EATING THE FISH OVER AN EXTENDED

PERIOD OF TIME.

>> WE'VE HAD, SAY, 20 YEARS OR

SO EXPERIENCE IN CANADA OF

GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED PLANT

FOODS, AND WE REALLY DON'T KNOW

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS.

>> Reporter: SO FAR, AQUABOUNTY

HAS SOLD ITS SALMON TO

DISTRIBUTORS, AND THE COMPANY

SAYS IT DOESN'T KNOW WHERE IT

ENDED UP AFTER THAT.

THERE'S NO REQUIREMENT THAT

RESTAURANTS OR FOOD SERVICES

LABEL G.E. SALMON, AND THERE'S

NO REQUIREMENT IT BE LABELED IN

CANADIAN STORES, EITHER.

>> PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT

TO HAVE THEIR FISH LABELED.

AND THEY SHOULD HAVE A RIGHT TO

KNOW WHETHER THEY'RE EATING

GENETICALLY-MODIFIED SALMON.

>> Reporter: AND IF IT DOES END

UP BEING DISTRIBUTED IN A STORE

LIKE THIS?

>> NOBODY WILL KNOW.

THERE'S NO IDEA.

>> Reporter: IT IS A FACT THAT

SOMEBODY COULD BE EATING YOUR

PRODUCT, AND THEY WOULDN'T KNOW

IT.

WHY NOT JUST LABEL IT SO PEOPLE

KNOW WHAT THEY'RE EATING?

>> AS A SMALL COMPANY, WITH YOUR

FIRST OFFERING, WITH A LIMITED

QUANTITY, THERE'S A HUGE RISK

ASSOCIATED WITH JUST PUTTING A

LABEL, "GENETICALLY-MODIFIED,

GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED," ON IT.

IF IT'S IDENTICAL TO THE

TRADITIONAL FOOD, WHY... WHY

PUT A LABEL ON IT?

>> Reporter: BUT ITS D.N.A.

HAS BEEN ALTERED.

>> IT'S THE SAME PROTEINS, THE

SAME FOOD THAT YOU'VE BEEN

CONSUMING FOREVER.

>> Reporter: BUT NOT EVERYONE

THINKS IT'S THAT SIMPLE.

>> AT A BARE MINIMUM, THEY MUST

BE HONEST WITH THE CONSUMER WITH

WHAT YOU'RE FEEDING YOUR FAMILY.

>> THE SENATOR FROM ALASKA.

>> Reporter: TO SENATOR LISA

MURKOWSKI OF ALASKA, THE ISSUE

OF LABELING IS SUCH A BIG DEAL

THAT SHE SINGLE-HANDEDLY DELAYED

THE SALE OF AQUADVANTAGE SALMON

IN THE U.S. FOR YEARS.

>> "FRANKENFISH" IS WHAT WE CALL

IT BECAUSE IT IS\SO\UNNATURAL.

>> Reporter: AS A MEMBER OF THE

POWERFUL APPROPRIATIONS

COMMITTEE, MURKOWSKI ATTACHED A

RIDER TO A BUDGET BILL THAT

BLOCKED THE G.E. SALMON FROM

BEING SOLD IN THE U.S. UNTIL THE

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CAME

UP WITH RULES FOR HOW IT MUST BE

LABELED.

MURKOWSKI'S HOME STATE OF ALASKA

IS ALSO THE NATION'S LEADING

SEAFOOD PRODUCER.

ITS MASSIVE, WILD-CAUGHT PACIFIC

SALMON INDUSTRY IS A SOURCE OF

STATE PRIDE.

MURKOWSKI EVEN CAUGHT THE HUGE

PACIFIC SALMON MOUNTED ON HER

OFFICE WALL HERSELF.

HOW MUCH OF THIS IS ABOUT

OPPOSING THIS TECHNOLOGY, AND

HOW MUCH OF THIS IS ABOUT

PROTECTING THAT INDUSTRY AND THE

POLITICS SURROUNDING THAT?

>> IT IS MORE THAN... THAN JUST

AN INDUSTRY.

IT IS... IT IS AN IDENTITY, AND

IT IS SOMETHING THAT WE ARE SO

KEENLY TIED TO.

THE LAST THING WE NEED IS THE

INTRODUCTION OF... OF SOME

GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED, MUTATED

SPECIES THAT COULD COMPETE WITH

OUR WILD STOCKS FOR... FOR FOOD

AND WITHIN HABITAT.

>> Reporter: WHAT MURKOWSKI'S

WORRIED ABOUT IS THE NEW G.E.

SALMON SOMEHOW ESCAPING AND

MINGLING WITH ALASKA'S WILD

SPECIES EVEN THOUGH THE ONLY

PLACES G.E. SALMON IS APPROVED

TO BE GROWN NOW ARE THE

AQUABOUNTY FACILITIES IN CANADA

AND INDIANA, FROM WHICH THE

F.D.A. SAID THERE'S AN

"EXTREMELY LOW LIKELIHOOD" OF

ESCAPE.

IN CANADA, THE AQUABOUNTY

FACILITY DOES SIT RIGHT ACROSS

FROM A RIVER THAT FLOWS INTO THE

ATLANTIC OCEAN.

>> ALL THE WATER THAT'S COMING

THROUGH HERE GOES THROUGH THESE

CONTAINMENT BARRIERS, THESE SOCK

FILTERS.

>> Reporter: BUT, RON STOTISH

SAYS, ANY WATER DISCHARGED INTO

THE RIVER FLOWS THROUGH AT LEAST

FIVE SEPARATE FILTERS INSIDE AND

MORE BARRIERS OUTSIDE.

>> THE LIKELIHOOD OF A... A TWO

OR THREE KILO SALMON GOING

THROUGH ONE OF THOSE FILTERS,

THROUGH ONE OF THOSE BOXES, AND

RUNNING OUT ACROSS THE STREET

AND GOING THROUGH IS... IS

VIRTUALLY ZERO.

WE'VE BEEN OPERATING FOR MORE

THAN 25 YEARS, AND WE'VE NEVER

LOST A SINGLE FISH.

>> Reporter: HE KNOWS THIS

BECAUSE EVERY FISH IS

MICROCHIPPED AND TRACKED.

AND EVEN IF THEY DID ESCAPE,

ALMOST NONE COULD BREED WITH

ORDINARY SALMON BECAUSE

AQUABOUNTY USES A PROCESS THAT

IT SAYS RENDERS ABOUT 99% OF

THEM STERILE.

>> SO, I THINK THAT WE ARE AS

SAFE AS... AS WE CAN BE.

>> Reporter: AQUACULTURE EXPERT

YONATHAN ZOHAR LEADS THE

DEPARTMENT OF MARINE

BIOTECHNOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY

OF MARYLAND.

HE PROVIDED EXPERTISE TO THE

F.D.A. WHEN IT WAS DECIDING

WHETHER TO APPROVE THE

GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED SALMON.

ZOHAR DOES BELIEVE THE

STERILIZATION TECHNOLOGY CAN BE

IMPROVED AND IS CURRENTLY DOING

RESEARCH ON JUST THAT.

>> WE DEVELOPED A NEW TECHNOLOGY

TO REDUCE... TO PRODUCE STERILE

FISH.

>> Reporter: BUT FOR NOW, ZOHAR

SAYS THERE'S ANOTHER REASON NOT

TO FEAR ESCAPED G.E. SALMON;

STUDIES SHOW THEY WOULDN'T

SURVIVE LONG IN THE WILD.

>> THEY WILL NOT LAST FOR VERY

LONG.

WILD FISH ARE OUTCOMPETING THEM

WHEN THEY'RE EXPOSED TO MOTHER

NATURE-TYPE OF CONDITIONS.

>> Reporter: ZOHAR ALSO WANTS TO

REMIND PEOPLE THAT THEY'RE

PROBABLY ALREADY EATING A LOT OF

GENETICALLY-MODIFIED FOOD.

>> I MEAN, IN THIS COUNTRY,

ABOUT 70% OF ALL THE PLANTABLE

CROPS ARE GENETICALLY-

ENGINEERED, AND PEOPLE DON'T

BLINK TWICE ABOUT IT.

WE ARE FACING A MAJOR,

SIGNIFICANT SEAFOOD CRISIS.

SIMPLY SAID, MORE PEOPLE EAT

MORE FISH, AND, AS A RESULT, WE

ARE FISHING OUT AND EMPTYING OUR

OCEANS.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO USE GENETIC

ENGINEERING AND PRODUCE A FISH

THAT IS GOING TO MAKE IT TO THE

MARKET SIZE IN HALF THE TIME,

THIS WILL BE HUGE.

THIS WILL HELP AQUACULTURE

ACTUALLY MEET THE CHALLENGE AND

BECOME THE INDUSTRY THAT WE NEED

IT TO BECOME SO WE STOP FISHING

OUT THE OCEANS.

>> Reporter: AQUABOUNTY IS

BETTING ON IT.

IN MARCH, THE COMPANY GOT THE

GREEN LIGHT TO START BUSINESS IN

THE U.S. A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE

U.S.D.A. ISSUED LABELING

GUIDELINES FOR ALL GENETICALLY-

ENGINEERED FOODS.

THERE ARE A FEW LABELING

OPTIONS-- PRINTING A SYMBOL OR

THE WORD "BIOENGINEERED" ON THE

PACKAGE, OR COMPANIES CAN PRINT

INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO GET MORE

INFORMATION.

BUT SOME OF THOSE INSTRUCTIONS

DON'T HAVE TO MENTION THE WORD

"BIOENGINEERED."

AND THAT'S A PROBLEM FOR SENATOR

LISA MURKOWSKI.

>> YOU CAN GO TO THE BAR CODE

SCANNER, IF YOU WILL, AND...

AND GET A... A READING, BUT YOU

DON'T... YOU DON'T HAVE THE

LABEL THAT SAYS THAT IT IS

GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED.

AND THAT'S WHAT I'M CONCERNED

ABOUT.

THE F.D.A. DIDN'T HAVE ANY

MANDATORY LABELING REQUIREMENT.

>> Reporter: MURKOWSKI'S

PUSHING A BILL TO MAKE THE

LABELING MORE EXPLICIT.

BUT NONE OF THIS WILL MATTER IF

AQUABOUNTY'S SALMON END UP IN

RESTAURANTS OR SIMILAR

INSTITUTIONS BECAUSE NO LABELING

IS REQUIRED THERE.

IN THE MEANTIME, AQUABOUNTY'S

GEARING UP PRODUCTION AT ITS

INDIANA FACILITY, AND ITS SALMON

COULD HIT THE U.S. MARKET AS

EARLY AS THE FALL OF 2020.