Industry giants urged to fight GM fish

Bent-Are Jensen / IntraFish 22may01

A North American seafood importer is calling on the major marine farming companies to take up arms against attempts to develop genetically modified salmon.

If not, seafood consumption may decline, he says.

"It is my opinion that the US consumer would embrace genetically engineered salmon about as enthusiastically as they would allow a nuclear power plant to be erected in their back yard. If anything, the American public is looking to find out more about the products that they assume to be wholesome, safe and environmentally sound and more and more are leaning to 'natural' or certified organic to be sure of what they are receiving," Richard C. Martin Jr. Wrote in a mail to IntraFish.

His company, Martin International Corp, is located in Boston and the products are sold under its trademark "Black Pearl". Martin International Corp imports, purchases and sells both farm raised and wild salmon, also other species such for example, Arctic Charr, cod, haddock, shrimps and shellfish. Expected turnover this year is around USD15 million. In 1981 he worked in Seamark Corporation, which was the first to import Norwegian farm raised salmon to the US.

"The time has come for the industry leaders (Nutreco, Pan Fish, Fjord/Domstein/Stolt) to use their collective muscle and generate effective counter measures to derail [Aqua Bounty's] media blitz. If they fail to do so, or are secretly willing to utilize his technology, then I am the fool and they will suffer the consequences," wrote Martin.

Aqua Bounty Farms has applied to the USA's food inspectorate for permission to produce genetically modified salmon. The final decision will be probably be made in 2002. Fish farmers across the globe are warning against the experiment. American environmental organisations have already started to flex their muscles.

"We are noticing increasing scepticism towards farm raised salmon among consumers, retail and upper-end white tablecloth distributors. Organizations such as the 'chefs' collaborative' are campaigning and spending significant funds publicizing the (apparent) ecological horrors of salmon farming (anywhere on earth)," wrote Martin. He also mentioned the Marine Stewardship Council and its ecolabel certification programme, which are working against "unnatural" farmed salmon.

source: http://www.intrafish.com/articlea.php?articleID=12533

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