The Benefits of Transgenic Salmon
The purpose of the AquAdvantage salmon is to reduce the time it takes for fish to reach market size and therefore increase the profitability of aquaculture production. In this regard, these transgenic fish do benefit aqua-culturists and the economy of the region of operation.
It requires about half of the time to raise the genetically-modified fish to adult size as it does to raise the unmodified farmed fish to the same size. Because of this, the food production of the aquaculture farm using the transgenic fish would increase substantially with fewer costs or start-up time. In developing countries, lower initial cost and greater amount of product will help businesses grow, thereby inserting money into the economy. Food availability would increase and supplies would be more secure, both of which would greatly help communities lacking efficient food sources.
In addition to benefiting human population, the AquAdvantage salmon could theoretically reduce the strain on wild fish populations. World fish stocks have been steadily declining over the last decade and a renewable, fast-growing commercial population can relieve the pressures from a growing human population on the ocean . However, the potential benefit to the environment does not take into account the risks associated with both the aquaculture and the genetically modified organisms that are used.