Eric Hallerman

Eric Hallerman

Abstract

Ecological and Evolutionary Issues Posed by Genetically Modified Fishes

With the prospect of improved production efficiency, it is not surprising that some aquaculturists want to produce transgenic fish and shellfish commercially. Gene transfer can be applied to achieve dramatic impacts upon performance, increasing the growth rate of fish four- to six-fold. Commercialization of transgenic fish and shellfish is controversial, however, in part due to concerns about possible ecological and evolutionary impacts. Ecological hazards include the possibility of heightened predation or competition, colonization of ecosystems outside the native range of the species, and alteration of population or community dynamics by the genetically modified organism (GMO). Fertile GMOs could interbreed with natural populations; any genetic or evolutionary impacts would depend on the fitness of novel genotypes in the wild. Empirical data regarding ecological and evolutionary risk are quite limited. While cases posing serious hazard may prove the exception, the potential for hazard argues for careful risk assessment and risk management. Application of biotechnology may play a role in reducing risk, for example, through production of all-female triploid aquaculture stocks.

Biography

Eric Hallerman conducts research on aquaculture genetics, population genetics, and public policy regarding aquaculture biotechnology. He is co-author of the American Fisheries Society position statement on transgenic fishes. He was a member of the working group that developed the Performance Standards for Safely Conducting Research with Genetically Modified Fish and Shellfish, which was adopted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He is a member of the National Research Council Committee on Agricultural Biotechnology, Health, and the Environment, and is currently involved in an assessment of benefits and risk posed by production of triploid Suminoe oysters in the Chesapeake Bay.

Relevant Publications

Kapuscinski, A.R., and E.M. Hallerman. 1990. Transgenic fish and public policy: Anticipating environmental impacts of transgenic fish. Fisheries 15(1):2-11.

Hallerman, E.M. and A.R. Kapuscinski. 1992. Ecological implications of using transgenic fishes in aquaculture. International Council for the Exploration of the Seas Marine Science Symposia 194:56-66.

ABRAC (Agricultural Biotechnology Research Advisory Committee). 1995. Performance standards for safely conducting research with genetically modified fish and shellfish. http://www.nbiap.vt.edu./risk assessment tools.

Kapuscinski, A.R., T. Nega, and E.M. Hallerman. 1999. Adaptive biosafety assessment and management regimes for aquatic genetically modified organisms in the environment. Pages 225-251 in R.S.V. Pullin, D.M. Bartley, and J. Kooiman, eds., Towards policies for conservation and sustainable use of aquatic genetic resources. ICLARM (International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management) Conference Proceedings 59, 277 p.

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