GM 'hybrid' fish pose threat to natural populations, scientists warn

[wtmusic]

What could possibly go wrong?

"The offspring of genetically modified salmon and wild brown trout are even faster growing and more competitive than either of their parents, a new study has revealed, increasing fears that GM animals escaping into the wild could harm natural populations.

The aggressive hybrids suppressed the growth of GM salmon by 82% and wild salmon by 54% when all competed for food in a simulated stream.

'To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of environmental impacts of hybridisation between a GM animal and a closely related species," wrote the scientists from Memorial University of Newfoundland. "These findings suggest that complex competitive interactions associated with transgenesis and hybridisation could have substantial ecological consequences for wild Atlantic salmon should they ever come into contact [with GM salmon] in nature.'"

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/may/29/gm-hybrid-fish-threat-natural-populations#ixzz2UhEDTveq

[Bay Boy]

1. When did General Motors get in the fish business?

Yeah, I know GM means Genetically Modified but the car company is my first thought when I see GM mentioned.

[Buzz Clik]

4. The Stingray was always popular. But the trout? Salmon? Not hopeful.

[The Roux Comes First]

2. Pretty Spooky

The concept of farmed Atlantic salmon and associated disease and escape into the wild is bad enough. Let us hope the GM approach does not get approval without extremely strict controls. If only they focused half as much on suppressing the chance of cross-breeding as they did on goosing the growth rate.

[I was all set to gently suggest that the wording should be "The aggressive hybrids surpassed . . ." but I notice that is a correct lift from the original. Another sad sign of the increasing dearth of good editing.]

[wtmusic]

3. I wouldn't worry about it

There's absolutely no chance that one of these salmon could escape and forever alter wild stocks.

Until it does. Oops.

[pscot]

5. I've been assured right here on DU

That these fears are groundless, because GM fish can never escape into the wild. So, no worries, Eh?

[NickB79]

6. Where in nature do salmon and trout mingle?

Honestly, I'm clueless on fish. I thought trout were freshwater fish, and salmon mainly saltwater fish. I know salmon swim upstream to breed, but do they inhabit the same streams as brown trout?

[xchrom]

7. here's some info

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trout

[Viking12]

8. Lake Michigan for one....