GIBSON WARNS OF GM SALMON

News release



Immediate release 04/11/10


Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson has lodged a motion calling on the USA to stop the spread of GM salmon.


Mr Gibson's motion expresses concern that the Food and Drug Administration in the United States of America may consent to the farming of genetically modified (GM) salmon; which if they escaped would cause havoc with the DNA of wild Atlantic salmon and farmed stocks in Scotland.



The Motion goes on to call for the Scottish Government to make representations to the UK Government and the European Union about Scotland’s right to maintain the biodiversity of wild Atlantic salmon and farmed salmon in its waters.


Mr Gibson said…


"The Salmon industry in Scotland is worth £400 million and employs many people in remote and rural areas of the Highlands and Islands. I am greatly concerned that if the Americans give the go ahead for mass production of GM salmon then there could be grave consequences for stocks for salmon both wild and farmed in Scotland and beyond."


"GM salmon isn't even 100% salmon it is only one third salmon the other genes are taken from the Ocean Pout and the pacific Chinook. I don't see how under trades description laws they could get away with actually calling it salmon."



“Above all the wild Atlantic Salmon would be very vulnerable to GM contamination. That must be resisted with vigour.” I met the CEO of Loch Duart Salmon Nick Joy last week. He has strongly worded views published in the Huffington Post in the USA in opposition to GM salmon consents. I agree wholeheartedly with the reasons for his concern.


"It is important that the Scottish Government make representation to both the UK Government and EU Commission on this issue. The dangers of GM salmon are great and Scotland in particular the Highlands and Islands would be greatly damaged from ny escape of GM salmon."



ENDS


Notes


Copy of Motion


S3M-07311 Rob Gibson (Highlands and Islands) (Scottish National Party): Beware GM Salmon— That the Parliament notes with concern the possibility that the Food and Drug Administration in the United States of America may consent to the farming of genetically modified (GM) salmon; considers that escapees are likely to occur through time and can easily reach the shores of Scotland, altering forever the genetic integrity of wild Atlantic salmon and of quality Scottish farmed salmon, and calls on the Scottish Government to monitor the GM salmon consent process in the USA and express, both directly and via the UK Government and the European Union, Scotland’s right to maintain the biodiversity of wild Atlantic salmon and farmed salmon grown in its waters.



Copy of Nick Joys article in Huffington Post


http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nick-joy/gm-salmon-is-just-plain-w_b_745964.html