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ABOUT...
ACROSS CANADA
AND...
RESOURCES
FACT SHEET - AQUATIC BIOTECHNOLOGY
Scientists at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) carry out aquatic biotechnology and genomics research to develop tools to help in the conservation and sustainable use of wild fish stocks, the marine environment, and the development of Canada’s aquaculture industry.
Reliable science information supports sustainable fisheries and aquaculture and contributes to healthy oceans. Biotechnology and genomics research is helping to:
- improve broodstock selection techniques to generate commercially desirable traits in fish and shellfish (efficient growth, stress tolerance, disease resistance, low maturation rates);
- improve understanding of disease-causing agents and disease diagnostic techniques;
- detect and treat aquatic animal disease;
- preserve genetic diversity;
- improve aquaculture practices;
- monitor and enhance aquatic environmental health; and,
- protect vulnerable populations and species.
Risk assessment research
Concerns have been raised over the potential risks posed by organisms that have had genes from the same or unrelated organisms inserted into their genetic make-up, known as genetically engineered (GE) aquatic organisms.
No GE fish have been approved for commercial use or release in Canada, nor has DFO received any regulatory applications to import or grow GE fish for commercial use or release.
Canada is known internationally as having one of the world’s safest and most effective science-based regulatory systems for biotechnology. Products are subject to rigorous standards and scientific risk assessment for potential health and environmental impact under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (1999).
DFO scientists are conducting risk-assessment research on genetically engineered fish in secure, contained, land-based facilities. Risk assessment research is being conducted on salmon that have been genetically engineered for enhancement of certain production traits such as growth rate and cold tolerance. Because GE fish could be developed for aquaculture and could enter the food chain or interact with wild species in the environment, intensive research is required to enhance our ability to assess potential risks to humans or other aquatic species and their habitat.
The scientific knowledge gained will help regulators to critically evaluate potential risks, result in greater understanding of risks by the scientific community and the public, and provide valuable information to support and improve the regulatory process.
Protecting wild species
While farmed fish are not genetically modified, it is still important to prevent farm fish from escaping net pens or cages, reducing the potential for them to interbreed with wild species and alter the local genetic makeup of these stocks. Both government and industry aim to minimize escapes to zero.
DFO researchers use genetic stock identification – DNA markers associated with important production characteristics – to capture and identify escaped farmed fish in the wild environment and to monitor their ecological and reproductive interactions with wild populations.
Disease diagnosis and treatment
Other biotechnology and genomics tools help to protect the environment, detect and reduce disease in fish stocks, and improve production techniques in the aquaculture industry. Canada has gained international recognition as a world leader in molecular and diagnostic techniques. Molecular tools are used to detect pathogens and gain a better understanding of how they spread. DFO scientists are developing DNA vaccines for aquatic animals for hatchery (salmon or trout enhancement) and aquaculture operations.
For sources and further information visit these websites:
Fisheries and Oceans Canada – www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/science
Government of Canada – www.bioportal.gc.ca
Environment Canada – Canadian Environmental Protection Act
Note: This page contains links to Web sites not under the control of the Government of Canada. For further information on our hyperlinking practices, please refer to the Hyperlinking Notice.
