FOOD - Maryland bans GM fish from open waters

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Maryland law bans genetically modified fish from open waters

By Alex Dominguez, Associated Press, 4/12/2001 14:38

BALTIMORE (AP) The governor signed a law banning the raising of genetically modified fish unless they are in ponds or lakes that do not connect to other state waterways.

Growers also must ensure that the fish cannot escape by any other means, such as by birds dropping them after plucking them from the water.

The law signed by Gov. Parris Glendening on Tuesday is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation, said its sponsor, Democratic Delegate Dan Morhaim.

Morhaim said Thursday that he believed it was important to pass a law specifically applying to transgenic species those whose genes have been modified. State law already regulates raising of hybrids of native species, such as rockfish.

''All the laws that have been written have not included the recent ability we've acquired to manipulate species genetically,'' Morhaim said. ''So, I felt it was necessary to be explicit about that part.''

Genetically modified salmon raised in the Pacific Northwest have been released into the wild and are destroying the native species, he said.

''I thought it was time to act to prevent something like this'' from happening here, he said.

The state currently has about 175 active permits for fish farming, according to a state summary of the bill provided to lawmakers.

Genetic engineering in agriculture involves splicing a gene from one organism, such as a bacterium, into a plant or animal to confer certain traits, such as drought tolerance or insect resistance in plants.

Genetically engineered varieties of soybeans and corn became popular with farmers in the late 1990s and are found in products throughout supermarkets. The Food and Drug Administration is considering whether to allow sales of genetically engineered fish.

Supporters of genetic engineering say the technology is necessary to feed the world's rapidly growing population.

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

Answers

This is a new one on me, about the fish. Incredable.

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

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