Industry
giants urged to fight GM fish
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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