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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the environmental consequences of the farming of genetically modified salmon. [81451] Mr. Meacher: [holding answer 20 April 1999]: No genetically modified salon are currently being farmed in the UK, and no applications have been received for the release of genetically modified fish. However, the environmental consequences of the farming of genetically modified fish have been considered by the Department and by the Advisory Committee on Releases to the Environment (ACRE). The Department of the Environment published a research report on the Genetic Modification of Fish--a UK Perspective in November 1994. ACRE Guidance Note 8, issued in March 1997, provides guidance for experimental releases of genetically modified fish. Research into GM fish has increased steadily since the first published reports in 1985 and the technology now exists for the routine modification of a variety of fish species. Some modified traits may affect the ecological range of a fish species, for example increasing the temperature range in which they are able to survive and breed. The implications of such changes would need to be carefully considered in the risk assessment before a release could take place. The publications offer detailed recommendations on approaches to risk assessment and risk management for GM fish, and for emergency control measures. Guidelines are also provided for carrying out monitoring during and after the release. Copies of both these publications are in the House of Commons Library.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

81451; 329 c627W

Session

1998-99

Subjects

Genetically modified organisms Salmon Fish farming