How do people feel about GM fish?

Question

http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=430

I know injected fish often die (and are put through a lot in any case) so ethically one should not purchase them. What are the views on supporting GM fish? The article does mention the GM fish are usually more sensitive and stay smaller than non-GM, which leads me to conclude they are being harmed in some way. But the article also mentions injected fish and urges readers not to buy them, but it doesn't take that stance on GM fish. I wouldn't shop at a store that had injected fish; should I boycott stores that have GM fish as well?

Answer 1

I actually answered a similar question about 3 months ago. Here's what I said in that answer:

"Well, I bought three when they first came out, but I was teaching college courses and bought them specifically for use in a non-majors biology class for a section dealing with genetically modified organisms. I also discussed them in a lecture on water pollution - what they were originally produced for.

The anemone or coral gene (both are used to produce different colors) is attached to a stressor gene - when the fish is exposed to stressful conditions, along with normal enzymes that would be produced (similar to adrenalin in humans), they glow. I guess I can see the potential in using them as a method of determining and/or monitoring water quality in areas that may not be able to afford chemical or mechanical testing, plus once they purchase the original fish, additional and replacement fish can be spawned (the gene is inherited as a dominant trait).

The fish in the aquarium trade is different, however, than what's used for monitoring water quality. These have the gene "turned on" permanently. I haven't kept the new strains, but with the original, they could glow "brighter" when stressed. The gene doesn't hurt the fish, and supposedly doesn't hurt others that might eat them (have yet to see any studies on this yet!). But since they are additionally modified for the pet trade, I see this as another way of capitalizing on a public who want something "different" to keep.

If I would ever teach a class similar to the biology or environmental classes I've taught in the past, I might consider purchasing them again (for educational purposes), but not to have in my personal tanks."

As far as boycotting, that would be entirely a personal decision. The fish are not harmed by the process, and once the first few fish are established, they can be bred and still show the trait for the "glow" - it's a dominant trait, so if the fish has even a single gene for the trait, it will exhibit the glow characteristic. I would agree on a boycott of dyed and tattooed fish.

BTW, the glowfish I had, back when the original ones came out, were the same size as the normal zebra danios, so from my own experience, I wouldn't say that the process does make them smaller.

Answer 2

I object to dyed fish but don't have a problem with GM ones,although I do have some concerns about what would happen if irresponsible pet owners released them into the wild but that really applies to any aquarium fish not just GM ones.In the end I believe everyone must do some research and make there own decisions on this issue the same as some people will not buy hybrids such as the blood parrot cichlid some people may decide they don't wish to purchase these types either.

Answer 3

I'm with Mr Blobby and MM, its all about definition, I'd prefer that fish are not harmed however, if initially they're produced for a valid reason (monitoring water conditions) then I have no ethical reason not to buy them if they were on sale, but I don't want to be on the front end of Jurassic park where its just done for the industry and monetary returns. If we want that then the selective breeding programs should be the limit of our interference, at least the chances of these strains surviving in the wild are zip.

AJ

Answer 4

Ditto to Mr. Blobby!, depending on how you define GM, it could include the majority of fish we keep, that is if you include selective breeding. I think selective breeding is fine, but no additions after the fish is borne.

BTW, I run a shop and you will never find dyed, tattooed, injected or otherwise man marked fish in my shop. Period... never.

MM

Answer 5

I hate the owners of shops which sell injected fish. The main problem is that injected fish look more attracting and novices buy them to find they are more difficult to keep because they are injected. =(

Answer 6

i think breeding fish to get certain color and fin variations other than the wild form is fine but i feel that anything that is added to the fish "after birth" shall we say, by man is totally unethical and i would not buy n e of these fish!