Transgenic fish: is a new policy framework necessary for a new technology?

Worldwide, transgenic fish have emerged as a means of more efficiently meeting demand for seafood. At this time, the environmental impacts of raising transgenic fish remain uncertain and resistance to their commercial production appears to exist among consumers in some countries. Regulatory approval of the first transgenic fish for human consumption is currently being considered by the U.S. and Canadian governments. This paper examines the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval process for transgenic fish and finds if it will likely prohibit effective regulation of this fish, consequently risking the environmental health of aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the closed-door process causes three problems: (1) concerned interests do not have access to information and are thus forced to rely on speculation, (2) the process is unable to take into account the values of the public and (3) any opportunity for meaningful public comment on environmental impacts is lost. We propose that policy makers consider creating a regulatory framework that is capable of addressing the unique environmental risks posed by transgenic fish and incorporating public participation into the process. This paper briefly examines possible frameworks and mechanisms for public participation and suggests the most promising alternatives.