Genetic salmon on a turbo course

As early as the late 1980s, scientists at AquaBounty transferred two genes to salmon: a growth hormone gene from Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) together with a gene element from the North American marine bullhead (Zoarces americanus). The salmon thus have both a growth hormone and a regulatory gene, making them active even in winter. The genetically engineered salmon grow in "turbo" gear, all year round. This means the salmon are ready for slaughter after 16-18 months instead of 36 months.

The "AquaAdvantage" genetically modified salmon has been on the market in Canada since 2017, and in the USA since this summer. Now the company that invented the gene fish is stepping up the pace once again. In its first large-scale commercial plant with an annual production capacity of 10,000 tons and a surface area of 44,500 square meters, the company plans to produce tons of commercial gene salmon in Ohio by 2023. By comparison, the existing fish farm in Albany (Indiana, USA) has an area of 11,334 square meters and the one on Prince Edward Island (Canada) has 8321 square meters.