April 3, 2019

Canada approves commercial farm for genetically-modified salmon

Canada's first commercial farm for genetically-modified salmon has received environmental approval following years of getting the fast-growing fish into the market and in face of strong opposition, Agence France-Presse reported.

US-based biotech firm AquaBounty said it would begin stocking its Rollo Bay facility in Canada's eastern province of Prince Edward Island. The facility is capable of producing up to 250 tonnes (550,000 pounds) of fish a year.

According to AquaBounty, the first commercial harvest is expected at the end of 2020, around the same time as another at the company's facility in Albany, Indiana, US.

AquaBounty's salmon carries a gene which enables it to grow more rapidly than conventional salmon, and can reach adult size in 16 to 18 months, compared with 30 months for natural Atlantic salmon.

The company will be raising the fish in contained, land-based hatcheries.

The US and Canada found in 2015 and 2016, respectively, that the fish was safe for consumption, clearing the way for it to become the first transgenic animal destined for the North American market.

Argentina, Brazil and China have also granted environmental approvals for genetically-modified fish farming trials, AquaBounty said.

- Agence France-Presse