California approves ban on GM salmon production
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [SCOM] October 1, 2014
California has banned the commercial production of genetrically altered or "transgenic" non-native salmon in a bid to protect the state's native salmon and steelhead.
Gov. Jerry Brown has signed the bill AB 504 initally proposed by Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro (D-North Coast).
“I thank Governor Brown for understanding the importance of protecting California wild salmon and steelhead from the threat of transgenic modification,” Chesbro said. “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently reviewing an application by a company that seeks to produce a farmed salmon in the United States that has been genetically altered to grow faster than native salmon. If these ‘frankenfish’ were to escape into our waters, they could destroy our native salmonid populations through interbreeding, competition for food and the introduction of parasites and disease. The only way to ensure this never happens is to ban commercial hatchery production, cultivation or stocking of transgenic salmonids in California.”
To Read Full Story Login Below.