Transgenic fish: is a new policy framework
Worldwide, transgenic fish have emerged as a means of more efficiently meeting demand for seafood. At this time, the environmental
impacts of raising transgenic fish remain uncertain and resistance to their commercial production appears to exist among consumers in some
countries. Regulatory approval of the first transgenic fish for human consumption is currently being considered by the U.S. and Canadian
governments. This paper examines the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approval process for transgenic fish and finds if it will
likely prohibit effective regulation of this fish, consequently risking the environmental health of aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the closeddoor
process causes three problems: (1) concerned interests do not have access to information and are thus forced to rely on speculation, (2)
the process is unable to take into account the values of the public and (3) any opportunity for meaningful public comment on environmental
impacts is lost. We propose that policy makers consider creating a regulatory framework that is capable of addressing the unique
environmental risks posed by transgenic fish and incorporating public participation into the process. This paper briefly examines possible
frameworks and mechanisms for public participation and suggests the most promising alternatives.
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