Implications of Introduction of Transgenic Fish into Natural Ecosystems

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Production of transgenic fish has increased in scope, aimed at improving performance traits in economically important species or at creating model systems for basic biological problems. A variety of transgenic phenotypes will become possible as more genes are cloned and characterized. Categories of altered phenotypes include modified: metabolic rates; tolerance of physical factors; behavior; resource or substrate use; and resistance to disease, parasitism, or predation. Ecological impacts of transgenic fishes are uncertain but will depend primarily on their altered phenotypes and secondarily on the scale and frequency of their introduction into ecosystems. Production of ecologically noxious transgenic types is possible, because many fish varieties readily disperse and persist in aquatic ecosystems, are fit in natural settings, interact substantially with other organisms, and play a role in ecosystem processes. Releases of transgenic fishes may impact aspects of fisheries management. Because future uses of transgenic fish in commercial aquaculture or in stocking of natural waters are contemplated, interdisciplinary teams of fisheries biologists, ecologists, and resource managers must develop integrated approaches to assessing risks of ecological impacts. The current situation of uncertainty demands caution in expecting "safe" uses of transgenic fishes.