From: Biknevicius, Audrone [Biknevicius@exchange.oucom.ohiou.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2002 4:29 PM
To: 'fdadockets@oc.fda.gov'
Subject: docket 01P-0230: Please do not support genetically engineered
sea food!

I am distressed to learn that the FDA is considering an application from
Aqua Bountay Farms to market genetically engineered salmon.  GE fish could
pose unacceptable risks to the environment and human health. The fish
farming industry has proven they cannot keep their fish from escaping into
the wild, and possible escape of the GE salmon could render extinct already
endangered wild populations. I question whether the FDA has the expertise
necessary to make safety assessments in marine biology!  Additionally, the
long-term human health effects of consuming GE creatures are unknown because
they have never been fully tested even though evidence of allergic and toxic
reactions is mounting. 
I urge the FDA to:
	1.  Place moratorium on the domestic marketing and importation of GE
fish, until the environmental and human health risks are better known and
protected against. 
	2.  Support a permanent ban on the release of genetically engineered
fish into any open waterway including net pens and ponds. 
Sincerely yours,
Audrone R. Biknevicius
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Audrone R. Biknevicius, Ph.D.
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Athens, OH 45701
phone 740/593-0487; fax 740/593-2383
http://www.oucom.ohiou.edu/dbms%2Dbiknevicius/home.htm