AquaBounty Technologies is now able to produce its AquAdvantage Salmon (AAS) on a commercial scale after being approved by Environment Canada.
The Governmental agency says AquaBounty’s hatchery, which produces sterile, all-female eggs, is no longer solely a research facility but can produce eggs on a commercial scale without harm to the environment or human health when produced in container facilities.
Ron Stotish, CEO, AquaBounty, said: “We are pleased to note that, after a rigorous examination of our hatchery facility and the Standard Operating Procedures used to produce AAS eggs, Environment Canada is satisfied that we can responsibly produce our sterile, all-female eggs on a commercial scale.”
“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to make AquAdvantage Salmon available for commercial production. However, our eggs and fish will not be available for sale until they are approved by the relevant national regulatory bodies. When these approvals are in place, we look forward to demonstrating the value of AAS for a land-based and environmentally-sustainable production system,” he added.
Environmental Canada made its conclusion following a risk assessment conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada involving a panel of independent scientific experts knowledgeable in the fields of transgenics and fish containment technology.
