A GM salmon produced by AquabOunty compared to a normal one. (Photo: AquaBounty)
AquaBounty’s new facility raises mixed opinions
CANADA
Friday, April 28, 2017, 02:40 (GMT + 9)
Whereas supporters of AquaBounty’s new facility expansion on Prince Edward Island (PEI) stress it would bring innovative jobs to the area, others have shared concerns over negative effects on groundwater and wild salmon populations.
The company has proposed to build two 40,000 square foot structures to allow for the genetically modified (GM) salmon to be grown in Rollo Bay, PEI.
One of those expressing concern is PEI Salmon Council president Scott Roloson, who believes the firm’s new plan for salmon-rearing facility needs further federal risk assessment, CBC News reported.
"I don't feel that the threats to wild Atlantic salmon and the potential risks associated with the aquatic environment were examined rigorously enough to say with absolute confidence that this can go forward without any risk," said Roloson.
On the other hand, provincial environmental assessment officer Dale Thompson said he does not know if the new proposal will have to undergo a federal risk assessment given the request that genetically modified fish be raised there.
In addition, Laura Braden, a molecular biologist who studies aquatic animal diseases, said she feels it is a great opportunity for PEI.
“Wild stocks are declining and for our population and the world to eat protein we need to farm it,” she said. “It’s my professional opinion that growing Atlantic salmon to market size in less than half the time, using less feed with less of an environmental footprint, is 100 per cent a more sustainable way to grow fish.”
Further support came from Don Jardine of DE Jardine consulting, which worked on the assessment and recommended that the company be allowed to proceed.
Jardine said the company has put a number of provisions in the design of the building to minimize environmental impact and noted the site would be using a re-circulating aquaculture system.
At the same time, environmental group Souris and Area Watershed pointed out the information AquaBounty portrayed at a public meeting lessens their concerns in terms of the dangers of escape and the dangers of the amount of water that is going to be used.
In defence of AquaBounty’s project, representatives of the firm claimed the firm complies with all government requirements and regulations, and that they are an employer and proud member of the Prince Edward Island community.
The company’s environmental impact statement (EIS) submitted to the province last spring, stated the facility was to raise conventional salmon, which would provide eggs that would be transferred to its GMO salmon plant in Bay Fortune.
And the amended EIS submitted to the province this month lays out plans by AquaBounty to rear sterile GMO salmon at the expanded facility, from egg to market size.
It also adds, "The fish and facility will be monitored by both DFO and CFIA for fish health and bio-security and all additional provincial and federal regulatory requirements will be met."
The EIS says the site will use a recirculating aquaculture system on the property. "This technology allows for a very efficient and conservative approach to the use of groundwater resources as it will require very small amounts of new water to be used," states the document's authors.
The Provincial Environment Department is accepting public comments on the new facility, and the public has until May 5 to make submissions.
Related articles:
- Court of Appeal upholds GM salmon approval
- AquaBounty application approval faces opposition
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