GMO salmon undergoing another federal risk assessment

CBC News has learned AquaBounty's genetically modified salmon is going through a new federal risk assessment.

Environment and Climate Change Canada says the risk assessment comes after the company notified Ottawain July about its plans to build a new egg production and grow-out facility in RolloBay West, P.E.I.

Previously the company was producing a limited number of eggs in its facility in Bay Fortune, P.E.I.

AquaBountyTechnologies now wants to produce 250 metric tonnes of its AquAdvantagesalmon for commercial sale in Canada and export. The company's salmon grow twice as quickly as conventionally rearedAtlantic farmed salmon.

Initially, in May 2017, Environment Canadatold CBCNewsthe new project would not require an additional federal environmental assessment, but by July 2017, that position had changed."Should AquaBountywish to manufacture or grow out the AquAdvantage salmon at this site, a new notification will be required," Minister Catherine McKenna wrote.

The company gave that notification July 28, 2018.

Risk assessment started in July

The department told CBCNews thatAquaBounty'snew activity with the genetically modified fish will undergo an assessment similar to the one done on the company'segg productionin Bay Fortune.

Officials saidthis newreview will be based on the latest information to determine if there's a risk to human health or the environment from the fish.

This assessment is happening, even thoughin 2016,Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announcedAquaBounty'sgenetically modified salmon hadbeen approved for sale as food in Canada.

The Canadian Biotechnology Action Network was one ofa number of environmental groups and wild salmon conservationists that pushed to see a federal risk assessment done on AquaBounty's new plans.

CoordinatorLucy Sharrattis cautiously optimistic hearing one is underway.

"It is a relief....We didn't know what the assessment was going to look like, and we won't know until it's concluded,until the decision is made," Sharrattsaid.

"But certainly this is what we need. We need all of the scientific expertise available to really look at this issue of the GM salmon. Is it a risk to wild Atlantic salmon?"

Company voluntarily welcomedpublic input

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, AquaBountyvolunteered to participate in apublic engagement process as part of this latest risk assessment. That processaccepts scientific input from stakeholders.

The Canadian Biotechnology Action Networkwas one of nine groups or individuals thatsubmitted comments.

Environment Canadasaid those submissions will be included in the final report, which will be released at the same time as a decision, which will be made by March 24, 2019.

The department said if AquaBountyis given approval it could include measures that have to be taken at the new RolloBay site to reduce risk.

The development in RolloBay has received provincial approvals and the province is providinga $2-million loan to help the companycomplete construction at the newsite.

CBCNews requested an interview with AquaBountybut did not get a response.

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