csua.org/u/55a -> www.cnn.com/2003/TECH/science/12/04/fluorescent.fish.ap/index.html
SACRAMENTO, California AP - Citing ethical concerns, state regulators Wednesday refused to allow sales of the first bio-engineered household pet, a zebra fish that glows fluorescent. California is the only state with a ban on genetically engineered species, and the Fish and Game Commission said it would not exempt the zebra fish from the law even if escaped fish would not pose a threat to the states waterways. For me its a question of values, its not a question of science, said commissioner Sam Schuchat. The 3-1 vote came moments after commissioners approved the states 14th license for research into genetically modified fish. But commissioners drew the line on permitting widespread sales of a biotech fish for pure visual pleasure. The normally black-and-silver zebra fish were inserted with genes from sea anemones or jellyfish to turn them red or green, and glow under black or ultraviolet lights. Federal agencies have decided they have no jurisdiction over a bio-engineered household pet that is not intended for consumption. Given Californias extensive review, proponents had looked to its approval to dampen any concerns from other states or consumers that the fish might be harmful to the environment or if consumed by wayward pets or children. An abuse of the power we have over life Opponents view the decision as precedent-setting as they lobby for regulation on the national level. Yorktown Technologies of Texas, which has the license to market the fish, and the state of Florida, in which the fish are grown, argued before the commission that the altered fish tolerate cold less than natural zebra fish, and they could not survive in California waters. Environmental and public interest groups and commercial fishermen argued that the fish have been found to survive outside their native waters. California residents buy 25 million ornamental fish a year, an eighth of the 200 million sold across the nation, Yorktown President Alan Blake said. He estimated that Californians might have bought two million of the genetically altered fish each year. California adopted its regulations for fear genetically modified farmed fish, such as salmon, could get loose and devastate the states wild populations. Commissioners balked Wednesday even after acknowledging Californians could readily buy the fish in any neighboring state and bring them home. Here we are, playing around with the genetic bases of life, Schumchat said. At the end of the day, I just dont think its right to produce a new organism just to be a pet. To me, this seems like an abuse of the power we have over life, and Im not prepared to go there today. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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