"ScrAPES #12- Genetically Engineered Salmon Approved for Consumption"

Article- Genetically Engineered Salmon Approved for Consumption, Andrew Pollack, November 19, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/20/business/genetically-engineered-salmon-approved-for-consumption.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0

Topic: Genetically engineered fish

Summary: 
    The F.D.A. has finally approved the genetic engineered Salmon for customers to buy and eat. The genetically engineered Salmon is said to grow to market size faster then non genetic engineered Salmon. It helps to stop the overfishing of wild Salmon- claims to be a more sustainable way. This is the first time ever the F.D.A. approved a genetic engineered animal product. They claimed that the genetic engineered Salmon is safe for consumption and for the environment. The approval caused backlash from consumers and environmental groups; they claimed that the studies were inadequate, and it could corrupt the Salmon populations if the genetic engineered fish escaped into the ocean and rivers. Although this is true, it is said that the fish are kept in Panama contained in tanks so they are unable to escape. Some markets already turned down the offer to sell it in their stores. Surprisingly, genetically engineered Salmon will not be required to be labeled as being genetically engineered; however, companies can chose to either label it or not. It is going to take two years before the fish is placed in supermarkets due to the Panama capacity to produce about 100 tons of fish per year compared to Atlantic Salmon that produce 200,000 per year. The AquaBounty, the creators of the genetically engineered Salmon, is trying to expand the genetically engineered fish globally, plus many other genetic products and animals. 
     I chose this article because I remembered my mother telling me about the genetically engineered Salmon. I also wanted to learn the reason why a genetically engineered fish was created. The most interesting thing that I found unbelievable was that the F.D.A. approved the fish. I would of never thought that the F.D.A. would approve something that was artificial; learning that they have approved many other genetically engineered products. 
     This article is important to environmental science because Salmon populations could be in danger if one of the genetic fish escapes. This is altering the natural structure of a fish, and changing the natural cycle of life. The next step is to stop further genetically engineered products; to do further testing, and have it disapproved. Now as consumers, we must be careful of the food that we buy.