Utilization of transgenic fish in developing countries: Potential benefits and risks

Recombinant DNA and gene transfer technology now allow the transfer, inheritance and expression of specific DNA or gene sequences into fish, Preliminary results on the performance of the resulting transgenic fish have been quite dramatic in some cases, especially when growth hormone genes are transferred. Utilization of high performance transgenic fish has the potential to greatly increase aquaculture production in developing countries and increase the income of poor farmers. Growth of some transgenic fish has been increased more than to-fold in laboratory conditions. Response appears to be greatest in unimproved fish, which in most cases would benefit developing countries the most. The potential increase in production and production efficiency from successful transgenic fish application could relieve pressure on habitat destruction for food production, relieve pressure on overfished natural stocks and discourage introduction of exotic species. Application of transgenic fish in aquaculture has just begun and could expand within a few years. However, prior to commercialization of transgenic fish, public education, environmental risks and food safety issues should be addressed. Genetically improved fish generated by recombinant DNA technology probably do not pose any greater risk to the environment than fish genetically improved through traditional selective breeding, but environmental risk data is lacking to verify this hypothesis. Environmental risk data will be needed in a case-by-case basis until more is known concerning the aquaculture potential and ecological risk of transgenic fish. Research institutions need to address the lack of environmental risk data to help ensure that any future application of transgenic fish in developing (and developed) countries be done in an environmentally and socioeconomically sound manner. Socioeconomic study is lacking for detailed cost-benefit analysis, and policy research is needed for proper application or regulation of transgenic fish in these countries.