GM fish
Introduction
Genetically modified fish are a relatively recent invention, with some of the earliest known occurrences being goldfish (Carasius auratus) and Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) species, dating back to the mid 1980s. A study conducted by the GM Inspectorate in 2006 indicated there was an estimated 150 GM events/traits distributed across approximately 50 species of fish, shellfish and crustaceans. Much of the research and development has traditionally focused on GM fish for research purposes, however, a number of these fish species, in particular Danio rerio (Zebra fish) and the Oryzias latipes (Japanese medaka) are now present in the ornamental fish trade. Red danios contain genes from a coral, which produces a red fluorescent protein (RFP) giving the fish a bright pink colour and causes them to fluoresce under UV lighting. Green danios contain a gene taken from jellyfish, which encodes for a green fluorescent protein (GFP).
Marketing of genetically modified Danio rerio through collaboration between York Town Technologies, USA and the National University of Singapore has resulted in these fish ('GloFish'TM) being readily available throughout most of the United States (California has imposed a ban) and (apparently) in Taiwan, Cuba, Malaysia and Hong Kong.
In 2006 the GM Inspectorate was first alerted to the
import of Danio rerio displaying vivid fluorescent colours. Our
invesigations confirmed that the fish were genetically modified and had originated
from suppliers in the Far East, as well as from suppliers in Europe. No GM fish
have been authorised for marketing in Europe, therefore any found in the UK
would be illegal.