Genetically modified (GM) salmon producer AquaBounty said Thursday it will miss a hoped-for April launch date for US consumers to be able to purchase the controversial fish -- the first GM animal to be approved for human consumption in the country.

AquaBounty CEO Sylvia Wulf said during a February video press conference that it expected consumers would begin buying its fish in April, but the company now says it will miss this mark but will begin harvesting its first AquAdvantage GM salmon later this year.