Glofish may be the first genetically engineered pets but with no rules to control them who knows what will happen?
GE fish are new life forms that have never occurred in nature
and couldcause irreversible damage to wild fish stocks, the wider
marineenvironment, and our own food supply.
Over a dozen different species of fish are being
geneticallyengineered throughout the world, including salmon,
tilapia, bass, troutand catfish.
By inserting genes from other species of fish, and in some
caseseven insect and human genes, GE fish are altered to produce
unnaturallyhigh levels of growth hormones.
Genetic engineering fish with growth hormones can leave fish
deformed, unable to swim, feed or reproduce as normal fish
would.
GE fish pose a serious threat to wild fish and marine
biodiversitybecause once they escape into open waters, they can
never be recalled.
Even a small number of GE fish released into the wild could
havepotentially devastating effects. For example, researchers at
PurdueUniversity in Indiana, USA estimate that 60 fertile GE fish
introducedinto a natural population of 60,000 could annihilate the
natural stockin 20-30 years.
Fish escaping from aqua facilities are not uncommon. In light of
these risks and the unpredictable nature of genetically engineered
fish, Greenpeace calls for a global ban on the commercialization of
genetically engineered fish reared in any aquatic environment.
In-Depth:
GE Fish -- New threats to the environment
Purdue scientists: Genetically modified fish could
damage ecology
For more information and to become
involved in the GE fish campaign, visit the Center for Food Safety's
website.
One fish, two fish, red fish, glofish?