From: OC EXECSEC
Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2001 3:34 PM
To: Dockets, FDA
Subject: FW: Do Not Approve A/F Protein's Genetically Engineered
Fish--Docket# 01P-0230



-----Original Message-----
From: Laurie Powsner [mailto:lrpjak@att.net]
Sent: Monday, June 11, 2001 7:58 PM
To: Commissioner
Subject: Do Not Approve A/F Protein's Genetically Engineered
Fish--Docket# 01P-0230



Commissioner ,

I am writing to express my concern about the possible commercialization of genetically engineered fish.  I strongly urge  the FDA not to approve the current application by A/F Protein to sell GE 
Salmon.

Genetically engineered fish have the potential to be invasive species that
could cause irreversible ecological damage to wild fish stocks as well as
the wider marine environment. 

Sterility of genetically engineered fish is inherently uncertain given the
possibility for human error and natural variation. Even if sterility were
ever achievable, sterile genetically engineered fish would still compete
with wild fish for food, habitat and will effect the overall marine
ecology.

The history of fish farming clearly demonstrates that once released into
ocean ponds, fish will escape and, since fish do not obey national 
boundaries, any release of genetically engineered fish will be 
international by its very nature. The release of GE fish is an
international  concern in which we all have a stake and on which 
every government  and their citizens should have an opportunity to say no.

I urge the FDA not to approve the current application by A/F Protein for
GE Salmon because GE fish pose an unnecessary and unacceptable risk to the 
marine environment and potentially to human health.



Laurie Powsner
34 Tee-Ar Place
Princeton, NJ 08540-7693 
USA
lrpjak@att.net