AK HJR12

Alaska Legislature opposes the FDA's November 19, 2015 approval of AquaBounty AquAdvantage genetically engineered salmon for human consumption, which was the first FDA approval of a genetically engineered animal for food.

Over 2 million Americans opposed the FDA approval in the largest public comment response the FDA has ever received, and more than 40 members of Congress expressed opposition to the approval.

Accidental release of transgenic fish could devastate wild fish populations; a May 2013 McGill University study found genetically modified salmon could interbreed with brown trout and outcompete wild salmon, and the AquaBounty facility on Prince Edward Island sits adjacent to waters connected to the Atlantic Ocean where endangered wild Atlantic salmon live.

More than 65 major retailers including Costco, Safeway, and Target announced they will not sell genetically modified salmon.

Legislature urges Congress to enact legislation requiring prominent labeling of genetically engineered salmon and salmon products with "Genetically Modified" on packaging.