A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE UTILIZATION OF GENETICALLY-MODIFIED ORGANISMS IN AQUACULTURE AND FISHERIES

To evaluate globally the use, desires and constraints associated with the development of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in fisheries a nd aquaculture, a questionnaire was distributed internationally, The q uestionnaire focused on five main areas: (1) the current status of aqu atic biotechnology, i.e. activities; (2) existing or proposed policies regulating the research, release, commercialization and patenting of GMO; (3) the level of interest in utilizing transgenic and ploidy-mani pulated aquatic species; (4) the constraints associated with developme nt of aquatic biotechnology; (5) public perception of biotechnology. R esults indicated that policies and regulations on utilization of GMO a re lacking in many developed countries, although this is more pronounc ed in developing areas. The level of interest to utilize GMO was highe st in Latin America of the developing countries and they were desired as a means for augmenting production in aquaculture and fisheries. Man ipulation of chromosome sets was the most common activity reported, ot her than education and training activities. Other common activities re ported were research on transgenics, hybridization, and sex manipulati on. The most important constraint to development of aquatic biotechnol ogy was lack of financial support both in developed and developing cou ntries, Overall, the reported public perception of biotechnology and o f genetic modification of animals was favourable concerning moral issu es, potential for economic. benefit, ability to improve diet, and envi ronmental safety. Results are discussed in terms of their implication to the Convention on Biological Diversity.