Maryland Bans Genetically Modified Fish

Thursday April 12, 2001

BALTIMORE (AP) - The governor signed a law banning the raising
of genetically modified fish unless they are in ponds or lakes that do
not connect to other state waterways. Growers also must ensure that the
fish cannot escape by any other means, such as by birds dropping them
after plucking them from the water. The law signed by Gov. Parris
Glendening on Tuesday is believed to be the first of its kind in the
nation, said its sponsor, Democratic Delegate Dan Morhaim. Morhaim said
Thursday that he believed it was important to pass a law specifically
applying to transgenic species - those whose genes have been modified.
State law already regulates raising of hybrids of native species, such
as rockfish.

``All the laws that have been written have not included the
recent ability we've acquired to manipulate species genetically,''
Morhaim said. ``So, I felt it was necessary to be explicit about that
part.'' Genetically modified salmon raised in the Pacific Northwest
have been released into the wild and are destroying the native species,
he said. ``I thought it was time to act to prevent something like this''
from happening here, he said. The state currently has about 175 active
permits for fish farming, according to a state summary of the bill
provided to lawmakers. Genetic engineering in agriculture involves
splicing a gene from one organism, such as a bacterium, into a plant or
animal to confer certain traits, such as drought tolerance or insect
resistance in plants. Genetically engineered varieties of soybeans and
corn became popular with farmers in the late 1990s and are found in
products throughout supermarkets. The Food and Drug Aministration is
considering whether to allow sales of genetically engineered fish.
Supporters of genetic engineering say the technology is necessary to
feed the world's rapidly growing population.