AquAdvantage Salmon

Definition

AquAdvantage Salmon is a genetically modified strain of Atlantic salmon that grows faster than conventional salmon due to the incorporation of a growth hormone-regulating gene from Pacific salmon and an antifreeze protein gene from the ocean pout. This modification allows AquAdvantage Salmon to reach market size in approximately half the time of non-modified Atlantic salmon, providing potential benefits for aquaculture efficiency and food supply.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. AquAdvantage Salmon was developed by AquaBounty Technologies and received FDA approval in 2015, marking it as the first genetically modified animal approved for human consumption in the U.S.
2. The genetic modification enables AquAdvantage Salmon to grow to market size in about 18 months, compared to 28 months for traditional Atlantic salmon.
3. The fish are produced in land-based aquaculture facilities designed to minimize environmental impact and avoid crossbreeding with wild salmon populations.
4. AquAdvantage Salmon has been subject to public debate regarding food safety, environmental impact, and labeling transparency for genetically modified foods.
5. Supporters argue that AquAdvantage Salmon can help meet growing global seafood demand while reducing the pressure on wild fish populations and minimizing the carbon footprint associated with aquaculture.

Review Questions

• How does the genetic modification of AquAdvantage Salmon impact its growth rate compared to traditional Atlantic salmon?
  • The genetic modification of AquAdvantage Salmon incorporates a growth hormone-regulating gene from Pacific salmon and an antifreeze protein gene from ocean pout. This alteration enables the fish to grow significantly faster than traditional Atlantic salmon, reaching market size in about 18 months instead of the usual 28 months. This rapid growth can potentially increase aquaculture efficiency and improve food supply chains.
• Discuss the regulatory process that AquAdvantage Salmon underwent before receiving FDA approval, and why this process is important.
  • AquAdvantage Salmon underwent a thorough review by the FDA, which assessed its safety for human consumption and environmental impact. This regulatory process is crucial as it ensures that genetically modified organisms meet health standards and do not pose risks to ecosystems. The FDA's approval marked a significant milestone in biotechnology, paving the way for future genetically modified animals in the food industry.
• Evaluate the potential ecological implications of introducing AquAdvantage Salmon into aquaculture systems and its effects on wild salmon populations.
  • Introducing AquAdvantage Salmon into aquaculture systems could have various ecological implications, such as potential competition with wild salmon if they were to escape captivity. Although measures are taken to prevent this through land-based facilities, concerns about genetic contamination remain. Additionally, if AquAdvantage Salmon were to enter natural ecosystems, it could disrupt local biodiversity and alter food webs. Therefore, careful monitoring and regulation are essential to mitigate any negative effects on wild salmon populations.

Related terms

Transgenic Organisms: Organisms that have been genetically engineered to contain DNA from another species, which can confer specific traits or benefits, such as increased growth rates or resistance to disease.

FDA Approval:

The process by which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration assesses the safety and effectiveness of products, including genetically modified organisms, before they can be marketed to the public.

Aquaculture: The farming of aquatic organisms, such as fish, crustaceans, and aquatic plants, in controlled environments to improve production efficiency and meet food demand.