Frankenfish

Senator Begich has appealed to Alaskans to speak out against the United States Federal Food and Drug Administration's decision of no significant environmental impact of the genetically altered Atlantic Salmon hybrid often called "Frankenfish."

According to an article in the Alaska Native News, Senator Begich said:

“Allowing questionable science to ultimately influence our food supply is a slippery slope that Alaskans don’t want to go down. I hope Alaskans take the time to submit their comment to the FDA and let them know we won’t tolerate science projects messing with our wild salmon supply.”

Closer to home, the City and Borough of Petersburg has appealed to municipalities to object to the FDA decision.  Eight Alaskan Representatives have introduced House Joint Resolution 5:

"Opposing the United States Food and Drug Administration's preliminary finding relating to genetically engineered salmon; urging further examination of genetically engineered salmon; opposing AquaBounty's petition to produce genetically engineered salmon; and proposing, if AquaBounty's petition is approved, that its product should be labeled as "genetically modified.""

The deadline for comments is February 25, 2013.  Because the Haines Borough Assembly does not meet until February 26, I took the liberty of forwarding Haines Borough Resolution 10-11-247, adopted November 30, 2010 to the sponsors of HJR5 and to the City and Borough of Petersburg. I will also make sure it is delivered to Senators Murkowski and Begich and Representative Don Young.

The Haines Borough Resolution 10-11-247 is titled:

"A Resolution of the Haines Borough Assembly opposing an application from AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve and market genetically engineered Atlantic Salmon in the United States."

After citing the process that resulted in the genetically altered salmon,  and the lack of thorough scientific research and testing to ensure that consumption is safe; and reasoning that

"...this lack of safe consumption testing could weaken consumer confidence in all salmon products; " and Alaska's wild seafood industry "...could be severely impacted by the introduction of genetically engineered salmon,"

the Assembly resolved

"..that the Haines Borough opposes approval of genetically engineered salmon for release in the wild and for human consumption int he United States.... ; and "...calls upon the FDA to not approve the application from AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. to market and sell genetically engineered Atlantic salmon for human consumption in the United States."

More recently Senators Murkowski and Begich sponsored two bills opposing the FDA's stance:

Senator Murkowski joined Senator Mark Begich on two bills. One would make it illegal to sell, possess, transport or purchase GE salmon in the United States unless and until the NOAA approval process makes absolutely sure there is no harmful impact on  the environment – a claim that Murkowski is extremely dubious about, challenging the Food and Drug Administration on the floor of the Senate and through multiple legislative means. ...  The other bill defies the FDA’s stance against clearly labeling Frankenfish, requiring that GE salmon be clearly labeled and identified so that consumers can have full faith in natural salmon and know the difference on grocery shelves so they can be sure they are purchasing the real thing.

Also, Representative Don Young has introduced H.R. 584 which requires that all genetically engineered fish sold for consumption be labeled as such.

Many news outlets indicate that comments can be submitted electronically,  however, I've had no luck with the link.  So I mailed a copy of the Haines Borough Resolution to the address given for written comments:

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Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305)

Food and Drug Administration

5630 Fishers Lane, rm. 1061

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RE:  Docket No. FDA-2011-N-0899