From: OC EXECSEC Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2001 4:09 PM To: Dockets, FDA Subject: FW: Do Not Approve A/F Protein's Genetically Engineered Fish--Docket# 01P-0230 > ---------- > From: Richard.Gorringe@greenpeaceusa.2rad.net[SMTP:RICHARD.GORRINGE@GREENPEACEUSA.2RAD.NET] > Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2001 4:08:31 PM > To: FDA Commissioner > Subject: Do Not Approve A/F Protein's Genetically Engineered Fish--Docket# 01P-0230 > Auto forwarded by a Rule > > FDA Commissioner , I am concerned about the possible commercialization of genetically engineered fish. I 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. The ecology of the planet is not only more complex than you think: it is more complex than you can think. Richard Gorringe, Ph. D. 3574 NE Stanton Street Portland, OR 97212-2747 USA dreammagus@hotmail.com