Environmental groups are in dispute with the Canadian government over the manufacturing of genetically modified salmon in the country.
A lawsuit has been filed by the groups over AquAdvantage salmon, which has been created using genetic material from Chinook salmon and the eel-like species, ocean pout.
It is understood that the Canadian government’s approval for manufacture of the salmon product has been deemed “unlawful” based on the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
Tanya Nayler, staff lawyer representing Living Oceans Society and Ecology Action Centre in the case, told World Fishing and Aquaculture: “Because the government’s assessment did not examine data on whether this genetically modified salmon species could become invasive if it escapes into the wild, the health and safety of Canada’s environment, especially native fish species like wild salmon, has been put at risk.”
The fish manufacturer, AquaBounty Canada Inc, says it plans to grow the genetically modified salmon eggs in Prince Edward Island and then transport them to Panama, where they will grow to full size.
If approved, AquaBounty would also be allowed to manufacture and grow the genetically modified salmon elsewhere in Canada under certain conditions.
“At present, we are not aware of whether approval has been sought to market this genetically modified salmon species for human consumption in Canada. However, the regulatory decisions made to date, if undisturbed by the Court, would permit this GMO species to be manufactured or imported into Canada. As such, it is critical that the risks posed to the environment and native species are fully understood,” Ms Nayler added.
