Genetically modified salmon
Biologists in Canada are currently harvesting eggs from a genetically modified Atlantic salmon, which is in the final stages before being declared fit for human consumption.
The biologists, who work for a biotechnology firm, are going to keep the genetically modified fish – known as AquAdvantage salmon – in onshore tanks in Panama, Mexico.
They say the salmon will look just like their natural cousins, but will reach full-size in half the time. This improved growth is due to additional genes from the Pacific Chinook salmon and the ocean pout eel.
AquAdvantage salmon has already been declared to have "no significant impact" by the US food regulator, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is normally the last step before official approval, however, there is still a brief period for objections.
The firm has been working on approval for AquAdvantage salmon for 17 years and, if given the green light by the FDA, the fish will be the first genetically modified animal fit for human consumption.
On the other hand, the Atlantic Salmon Federation fears that the fish, which are all female and sterile, could start breeding and disturb the ecosystem if they were to get into the wild.
RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.
