On the Norwegian salmon farming organisation's website it is abundantly clear that Norwegian fish farmers and fish farmers across the globe are against plans by the American company Aqua Bounty Farm to produce genetically modified salmon on a commercial basis.

Already in 1996 the ISFA (the organisation for salmon-producing countries around the world), implemented the following resolution: In line with good environmental practice, the ISFA rejects unequivocally the production of genetically modified salmon. "In connection with the aim of maintaining a high animal ethics standard, the ISFA's members will not make use of growth hormones in their salmon production."

"It is not possible to make a clearer statement. Nevertheless, every year we bear the brunt of attempts to connect gene manipulation to salmon through [publicity] from this firm," said Sivertsen.

"We very much appreciate Greenpeace's engagement in focusing attention on this issue. I am hoping in any case that a united salmon industry and Greenpeace's efforts can bring an end to these attempts. Consumers across the globe should be made aware that Norwegian fish farmers base their livelihoods on a sustainable and environmentally friendly production of a healthy and good product. The consumers deserve this much and they can rely on this," said Tarald Sivertsen.

Also fisheries minister Otto Gregussen is in agreement with Greenpeace in this matter.

The fisheries minister told the national Norwegian broadcasting NRK that it is difficult to exert pressure on the US in this issue, but that the Norwegian aquaculture industry can try to influence the Americans through various channels.

Greenpeace is demanding that Norwegian authorities say a clear 'no' to commercial production of genetically-modified fish and that they should work actively against the application from Aqua Bounty Farm.

The International Salmon Farmers´Association (ISFA) has made it clear in the past that it was not its policy to regard GM salmon as an option.

However, When contacted by IntraFish, AquaBounty - which leads the research on commercial production of GM salmonid in North America - has stated that it had received ample queries from salmon farmers (who reportedly do not want to admit so in public) about the progresses of the research. Thje company seems confident that it could start selling substantial amounts of GM salmon ova & eggs to the industry once and if they get the go-ahead from the American authorities.

AquaBounty has lodged the first application for the commercial use of a transgenic fish in North America. It is currently waiting approval by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). AquaBounty is currently growing GM Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout and Arctic charr in freshwater tanks at its land-based facilty in Prince Edwards Island (Canada).

Norwegians applaud Greenpeace stance on GM salmon