Gmo Salmon Pros And Cons

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Genetically Modified Salmon

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is a living creature that has had its DNA and genetic structure altered to produce a new species with specific desired traits. They are created through the process of genetic engineering, where scientists pick traits that they like from one organism and try to transfer them to another organism. GMOs are a controversial topic where some see scientists forcibly introducing the genes of one or more species into the DNA of another species as ethically wrong.

I have chosen to research genetically modified salmon. Better known as Aquadvantage salmon, these fish have been genetically modified by scientists to increase the rate and size at which they grow. Naturally, commercially farm raised Atlantic salmon take 3 years to reach market size, but GMO salmon can attain marketable sizes in half that time. Also, because of the cold water climate, Atlantic Salmon can only grow in the spring and summer months, which means there is limited time for major …show more content…
By taking the growth hormone regulating gene of a Chinook salmon and the antifreeze gene of an Ocean Pout and implanting them in a fertilized egg of an Atlantic salmon, scientists created a “Frankenfish”. The new GMO was able to grow to bigger sizes because of the Chinooks growth hormone gene contribution and continue growing year round with the Ocean Pout’s antifreeze blood gene contribution, yet retain the delicious sought after meat of the Atlantic salmon. The outcome is quick production of a very successful food source. The only problem with this new organism is that because people fear change, people don't have trust and haven't given this GMO a chance to show how useful it is to the world yet. This modified species is so successful that people actually fear that the GMO salmon can and will replace the natural
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