Canada Takes Steps to Approve GM Salmon

Environment Canada has published a significant new activity notice that will
allow AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. to produce genetically modified (GM)
salmon eggs. According to the company, the agency determined that GM
salmon “is not harmful to the environment or human health when produced
in contained facilities.” AquaBounty CEO Ron Stotish said, “This is a significant
milestone in our efforts to make AquAdvantage® Salmon available for
commercial production. However, our eggs and fish will not be available for
sale until they are approved by the relevant national regulatory bodies.” The
company notes that Environment Canada reached its conclusion “following a
risk assessment conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada involving a panel
of independent scientific experts knowledgeable in the fields of transgenics
and fish containment technology.” See Canada Gazette, November 23, 2013;
AquaBounty Technologies News Release, November 25, 2013.