GMO Salmon Stopped in its Tracks (or it’s Fins)

 With all the craziness going on around the election, I thought I’d focus on a different topic that has a positive outcome.

You may not be aware that a company, AquaBounty Technologies, Inc., had developed a genetically engineered salmon which the FDA approved for it to be distributed and sold in supermarkets. The fish was designed to grow twice as fast as wild Salmon. The distribution was put on hold because a number of environmental groups, including the Center for Food Safety and Earth Justice, sued to stop it. 

Well, after 4 years of litigation, these groups found out that they had succeeded in putting a stop to this. The court ruled that the FDA had failed to analyze the serious risks to wild endangered salmon and the other environmental impacts this GMO fish would potential have on salmon stocks.

The court said that the FDA’s failure violated both the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act because the FDA didn’t bother to study the risks involved if this fish is “accidentally” released into the ocean.

The court also rejected the FDA’s argument that the agency had no duty to protect against the environmental impacts of the GMO salmon or any future GMO animal. This is big news as it means the FDA has to really do an analysis on any future applications for GMO animals.

You may not be aware that my background includes my having been at attorney for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in the very early days of the EPA. I’m always thrilled when a group is able to stop a project like this from going forward that can irreparably harm the environment all because a company wants to make a bigger profit. 

So, thank you to the groups who fought for this outcome and hopefully, the decision will stand on appeal!