Did Genetically Modified Salmon Eat Natural Salmon? Examining the Facts

Genetically modified (GM) salmon, specifically the AquAdvantage Salmon created by AquaBounty Technologies, has been a controversial topic since its approval for human consumption by the FDA in 2015. This genetically engineered Atlantic salmon contains DNA from Chinook salmon and ocean pout to promote faster growth As the first GM animal approved for human consumption, concerns have been raised about its impact on animal welfare, the environment, and human health A common question that arises is whether GM salmon eat or harm natural salmon populations. Let’s examine the facts.

How is GM Salmon Created?

AquAdvantage Salmon contains the following genetic modifications

• A growth hormone gene from Chinook salmon to promote faster growth This allows GM salmon to reach market size in 16-18 months rather than the typical 3 years

• A promoter sequence from ocean pout to keep the Chinook growth hormone gene turned on and continuously producing growth hormone.

• The modifications occur at the animal’s egg stage using microinjection technology. No natural salmon genomes are altered in the process.

To make GM salmon, genes from Chinook salmon and ocean pout are added, but natural salmon are not eaten or their genes are changed directly.

Containment of GM Salmon

A big worry is that GM salmon might get out and interact with wild salmon populations. AquaBounty utilizes several forms of containment to prevent this at their production facilities:

Physical Containment

GM salmon eggs are produced and fish raised at land-based facilities, not in ocean net pens. These facilities have multiple redundant physical barriers including:

• Screens, nets, grates over pipes and drains to prevent escape
• Tank covers and nets to prevent fish jumping out
• Sterilization of drain water to kill escaped fish

Additionally, strict biosecurity measures are in place including video surveillance, alarms, 24/7 staffing.

Biological Containment

GM salmon are triploid, meaning they have three sets of chromosomes, making them sterile. They are also all-female, preventing reproduction if they did escape.

Geographic Containment

Facilities are located away from natural salmon populations. Local environments are inhospitable to survival and establishment of Atlantic salmon.

The combination of these containment measures makes interactions between GM and natural salmon highly unlikely according to environmental assessments.

Do GM Salmon Harm Animal Welfare?

Concerns have been raised that genetic modifications and aquaculture conditions harm the welfare of GM salmon. However, data does not indicate GM salmon experience additional pain or health issues compared to non-GM farmed salmon:

• FDA concluded the modifications are safe for fish health based on data reviews
• Independent studies found no difference in health/deformity rates between GM and non-GM salmon raised under aquaculture conditions
• Alleged welfare issues like premature death and deformities also occur in non-GM farmed fish and are tied to aquaculture practices rather than GM technology specifically

There are certainly welfare concerns around industrial aquaculture as a whole. But the direct impact of genetic modifications appears low. Further independent research on GM salmon welfare would help provide more definitive conclusions.

Do GM Salmon Impact the Environment?

Beyond direct interactions between GM and wild salmon, some broader environmental concerns around GM salmon include:

• Escape risk – The multiple containment measures make escape very unlikely, but consequences could be ecologically damaging if it did occur. Ongoing vigilance around containment is warranted.

• Increased industrial aquaculture – GM salmon could expand and further pollute/strain ocean resources if regulation is inadequate.

• Lack of labeling – Not disclosing GM salmon as GM deprives consumers of information that could influence market dynamics.

Overall the FDA determined GM salmon would have no significant environmental impact if properly contained. But care must be taken to prevent escape events and over expansion of GM salmon production.

Is Eating GM Salmon Safe?

According to FDA safety assessments, consumption of GM salmon does not pose elevated risks compared to non-GM salmon. However, some concerns persist around:

• Allergenicity – Conflicting data exists and sample sizes were small in safety studies. People with salmon allergies should exercise caution.

• Hormone levels – Higher growth hormone levels could theoretically impact cancer risks in humans, but no studies confirm this.

• Nutritional content – GM salmon may have slightly lower omega-3 levels due to rapid growth.

While not necessarily unsafe, many argue that the human health impacts are not fully characterized. Strict monitoring and further research is needed, especially for vulnerable populations. Consumers also deserve clearly labelled products to make their own informed choices.

The Takeaway

What are your thoughts on GM salmon? I welcome perspectives in the comments! While new technologies like genetic engineering can provide benefits, we must thoroughly evaluate the risks and tradeoffs. Together through open discussion and science, we can develop ethical ways to feed a growing population while protecting our planet.