How Scottish Salmon – and public health
It would be not very pleasant if the Scottish government made such a major decision without having a full and informed discussion that took into account the scientific evidence. Richard Lochhead’s statement that the future of Scotland’s PS14bn Food and Drink sector is “not a gamble” is not sufficient.
We are simply talking about biological technology, which has a wide range of applications. The Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling has been doing work. We have been testing oils from genetically engineered (GM) oilseeds developed to provide sources of long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are highly recommended for a healthy diet, as they can help protect against cardiovascular disease and promote heart health.
Microalgae from the sea produce the majority of omega-3 in the world, which allows it to move up the marine food chains as they are eaten. It is only possible to obtain significant amounts of omega-3 from seafood and fish. Oily fish, such as Atlantic Salmon, are the best sources.
Omega-3 fatty acids must be added to fish feeds to protect their health as well as to provide the necessary levels to consumers. The meals should mimic the natural diet of their wild cousins – thus, the use of fishmeal, fish oil, and other fish products in “traditional” meals. Currently, these tend to be imported, mainly from the west coasts of South America, Peru, and Chile.
There is not enough Omega-3 in the required form to meet human nutritional needs. Fishmeal, especially fish oil, is limited and therefore spread thinly in feeds. The levels of Omega-3 in farmed Salmon are decreasing. The absolute levels of omega-3 will drop below wild fish without new sources.
Omega-3 being developed
We are working with Professor Johnathan Napier, a crop scientist at Rothamsted Research to develop oils from GM oilseeds that will replace wild fish oil. We have proven the concept and are now looking for funding to conduct commercial-scale tests. If the wind is fair, the project may be ready to go full-scale in two or three more years.
The project is not just about population health, but also sustainability, environmental impact and food security. It is ironic to think that Scotland , with a high heart disease death rate (one third of all deaths), also produces thousands of tons of farmed fish that are a good source of omega-3 fatty acid.
The Scottish government, however, would not allow these GM plants to be grown where they can produce the most oil. If the market accepts our work, then Scotland will lose out on the benefits of growing oilseed. It is also not environmentally friendly to ship oils from Scotland around the globe when the crops could be grown in Scotland.
These additional costs could threaten the sustainability of Scotland’s aquaculture sector, which is a key segment of its food and beverage industry. It is directly relevant to the health of the people of Scotland, as well as to consumers of Scottish farmed Salmon around the world.
Richard Lochhead (left), Scottish Government, BY-SA
This is not meant to imply that omega-3s or GMs are panaceas. Our research focuses on a specific application of GM to solve a problem and the context in which it was developed. While few would argue that Scotland’s natural environment is beautiful or that protecting it is a wise policy, what are the actual risks of growing GM crops? This question is not answered in the announcement by the Scottish government.
In September 2014, Scotland demonstrated to the world what it means to hold a public, inclusive debate about a topic of national and international significance, then make a decision on the basis of that debate and accept and live by that decision. The Scottish government has learned the lesson that it is not worth having a discussion you fear you will lose.
