Genetically Modified

Salmon

Introduction
The FDA approved genetically modified salmon on November 20,
2015.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_CWoSdqYcw

What is the environmental problem?

The environmental problem occurs if the fish escape the farm where
they are growing and get into the ocean.

http://action.responsibletechnology.org/images/Rhian%20-Buttons/GM-Salmon.jpg

Why is this an issue?

Can spread diseases and parasites into the marine ecosystems such
as sea lice that can kill off wild populations.
GM fish escaping and mating with the wild population.
GM salmon may not be able to survive in the wild because they lost their
survival traits. They will be passing these genes along as they mate
which could potentially cause a mass extinction.

Who is at risk?
-The wild salmon population is at risk, as previously mentioned.
Interbreeding of the two species can cause many fatal long
term effects and, in worst cases, extinction.
-The marine ecosystem is at risk as well, GMO salmon can bring
in sea lice and other parasites that could potentially infect the
entire ecosystem.

What is the environmental problem?

"We're looking here at a scenario where the fish might wind up sooner or later in the
ocean," he added. "I think if we go down this route, we have to be prepared to accept
some potentially unknown consequences. One reason for the cautious approach is that
scientists don't yet know what would happen if GM animals escaped into the wild. In his
work over the last decade, Hutchings has found that mixing farmed Atlantic salmon with
wild varieties affects both the growth and survival rates of the wild fish -- usually in
negative ways. All species of wild Atlantic salmon are listed as endangered. Adding any
type of new threat could throw them over the edge. Often, Hutchings added, genes that
are inserted for one purpose have other unintended and unpredictable effects.
( from Is Genetically Modified Salmon Safe? on Discovery News)

Utilitarianism Theory
Raising genetically modified fish creates the greatest good for the
greatest number.
People benefit by being able to grow healthy fish faster and bigger.
Lower cost of fish
As long as the farmed fish dont escape, wild salmon populations also
benefit by not being as over-fished.
Its a win-win as long as the modified salmon dont get into the ocean.

Moral Obligation
Mills utilitarianism theory suggest :
To produce more Genetically Modified fish
-- The proposed benefits associated with GM fish include the hope of
alleviating hunger and fear of starvation
-- Economic state of countries will feel less strain
Reasons:
-- GM fishs production cycle is short
-- GM fish does not need as much natural resources as normal for growing

Image from:https://thinkloud65.wordpress.com

Moral Obligation Cont

Steven Pinker:
-- A Harvard College Professor and Johnstone Family Professor in the
Department of Psychology at Harvard University
He said:
-- We should give people what they need and we should give people what they
deserve
He suggests:
-- People have the rights to know how government produce GM foods and
must label these GM foods.
Image from: http://www.iop.harvard.edu/

Pros
Larger fish produced faster

Cons
If they escape they could:
Outcompete wild salmon

Cheaper food to feed the world

Possibly spread disease
Less over-fishing of endangered
wild salmon

Where can you find GMO Salmon?

Walmart and Publix are among the last remaining large retail grocers in the U.S.
that have not yet rejected GMO salmon.

More than 60 supermarket chains including Costco, Kroger, Safeway ,Trader Joes
and Whole Foods, now totaling more than 9,500 stores nationwide, are making a
commitment to not sell GMO salmon.

Questions???

Joke
What did the fish say when he posted bail?