Policies and Resolutions

Genetically Engineered Aquatic Organisms

Background

Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) may be defined for various purposes. The NAA defines GMO’s as organisms that have been genetically modified by integration of foreign DNA into their genomes using various gene transfer technologies including microinjection, electroporation, transposon integration, or viral infection. Any natural sexual reproduction of organisms causes genetic modification of organisms but these are not ordinarily regarded as a GMO. Natural mating and/or natural recombination does not create a GMO. Selective breeding, hybridization and polyploidy are natural processes and would not be considered a GMO. For the purposes of NAA, a GMO will be defined as those organisms that have had their normal genetic makeup altered by molecular methods of selective gene isolation, characterization, and modification.

Genetically engineered or modified (GMO) aquatic organisms could significantly increase production efficiencies and reduce the environmental impacts of aquaculture with proper containment procedures. Faster growing animals could ultimately increase harvestable fish supplies for human consumption and reduce the use of water, a limited natural resource. This increased production could occur while decreasing the amount of feed fed per fish for each pound of gain. Thus, feed conversion efficiencies could potentially be improved. This would reduce dependence on natural fish meal supplies which might reduce exploitation of wild fish stocks. Other attributes of the fish such as immune system function could also be improved. The consumer might also directly benefit from such modifications by enhancing the nutritional and health benefits of aquatic organisms, increasing carcass yield and other desirable market traits, all with lower costs to the consumer.

Commercialization of genetically engineered aquatic organisms is also highly controversial. Various interests groups propose that genetically engineered aquatic organisms are a threat to the environment, a threat to various endangered species and a threat to human health following consumption. However, there is little scientific data to conclude genetically engineered organisms are harmful to the environment or to human health. Conversely, there is little scientific data to prove genetically engineered aquatic organisms are safe for the environment or human health. There is little scientific data with which to conduct environmental risk analysis making an informed decision difficult.

Policy

The NAA:

  1. Encourages a thorough scientifically based investigation into human food safety of genetically engineered aquatic organisms.
  2. Encourages a thorough scientifically based investigation into the environmental safety of genetically engineered aquatic organisms.
  3. Encourages sound, scientifically based risk analysis by the federal regulatory community.
  4. Encourages various continued and vigorous scientific investigations into ways to improve aquatic organism production efficiencies and product quality for consumer’s benefit including the use of genetically engineered aquatic organisms.

 

Approved 8.18.01