The wild gene pool could be endangered by GM salmon

The first study into the reproduction of the genetically modified Atlantic salmon has shown the potential harm they could do to the wild salmon population gene pool. One of the key concerns is about transgene escape “ is the “Trojan gene effect”, caused when a GM fish out-competes or reproduces equally against wild rivals, however if the resulting offspring are genetically inferior this could lead a species towards eventual extinction.

While the transgenic males displayed reduced breeding performance relative to their non-transgenic rivals they still demonstrated the ability to successfully participate in natural spawning events and thus have the potential to contribute modified genes to wild populations.” Read more ...

This blog is written by Martin Little, The Aquaculturists, published and supported by the International Aquafeed Magazine from Perendale Publishers