Guidelines for research and utilization of genetically modified fish

Abstract

Asian scientists are the first to initiate research in transgenic fish and Asia is the centre of research activity in transgenic fish. Transgenic fish thus far generated display desirable traits, excepting a few, in which reproductive performance seems to have been impaired. Only 12 countries have framed their respective national policy or regulations on genetically modified aquatic organisms. However, transgenic research is growing so fast that these guidelines and regulations will have to be revised from time to time. GH-transgenes are analogous to selected and/or domesticated lines, capable of growing 4-5 times faster. Transgenics, that are anti-freeze protein transformants, may not interfere as much as exotic fish. Regarding biological containment, available methods for inducing sterility of transgenics are briefly described.