Supersalmon

By ACSH Staff — Dec 08, 1999

To the Editor: The "big one" got away in the recent article on the supersalmon ("Supersalmon to the rescue," Nov. 30). The article definitely missed the boat on the critical issue that faster-growing salmon can safely help to feed the growing world population. Armed with biotechnology, fish farms would be able to double their production of salmon. The supersalmon was modified by the introduction of a gene that was found in flounder. When the gene is introduced into the Atlantic salmon, they grow faster by using their natural growth hormone more effectively.

To the Editor:

The "big one" got away in the recent article on the supersalmon ("Supersalmon to the rescue," Nov. 30).

The article definitely missed the boat on the critical issue that faster-growing salmon can safely help to feed the growing world population. Armed with biotechnology, fish farms would be able to double their production of salmon.

The supersalmon was modified by the introduction of a gene that was found in flounder. When the gene is introduced into the Atlantic salmon, they grow faster by using their natural growth hormone more effectively.

While critics have questioned the safety of eating bioengineered salmon and dubbed it "Frankenfish," the genetically modified fish does not pose any threat to human health.

Therefore, whether you eat fillets of supersalmon or of flounder, you would have a wholesome, nutritional and safe meal. Essentially, the fillet would be the same as eating salmon from your neighborhood supermarket. The only real difference would be the increased availability of salmon. This fact must be considered in a world that needs to double our food supply in the next 25 years.