Tag Archives: genetically modified organism

Fined $2K For Possessing Living Snakehead “Frankenfish”

Frankenfish- the other name for the Snakehead. Frankenfish usually refer to genetically modified fish (search genetically modified salmon for more) but due to the 2004 movie "Frankenfish" which starred a Snakehead- this term is being used more and more for The northern snakehead, (Channa argus). This invasive species is now being discovered throughout North America and the United Kingdom. CP
Frankenfish- the other name for the Snakehead. Frankenfish usually refer to genetically modified fish (search genetically modified salmon for more) but due to the 2004 movie “Frankenfish” which starred a Snakehead- this term is being used more and more for The northern snakehead, (Channa argus). This invasive species is now being discovered throughout North America and the United Kingdom. CP

A Chatham man has been fined $2,000 for illegal possession of snakehead fish. Yung-Chieh Liu pleaded guilty to illegally possessing live invasive fish. In addition to the fine, two snakehead fish were also forfeited to the Crown.

Justice of the Peace Malcolm Rogers heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Blenheim, on April 17, 2013.

The Ministry of Natural Resources reminds residents that it is against the law to have certain invasive species in your possession, because they pose a serious threat to native species and ecosystems. 

“The Northern Snakehead might enjoy life in Canada, but it would not be welcome here. This fish, native to eastern Asia, has invaded parts of the United States, where it threatens to disrupt ecosystems and native fish species unaccustomed to its presence. Scientists at Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) want to stop the snakehead from establishing a base in Canadian waters – and building a strong defence is the key to success.

The risk posed by snakeheads is very real. Several of the 36 species have a long history of invasions, and are very hardy. They can even live out of the water for a time – to pursue their prey or find a new home if the former one dries up. They survive winter under the ice of northern lakes; some have even recovered from being frozen! The Northern Snakehead, in particular, thrives on conditions that are similar to many Canadian waters. It is a voracious predator, and it grows rapidly to an adult length of 1.5 metres or more.

In their native waters, some snakehead species are fished for food or used for aquaculture. Many are exported to other countries where they may be sold live in food markets and pet shops. Scientists believe that the Northern Snakeheads found in lakes in some US cities may have originated from food markets. Some may have been released to the wild in an ill-advised attempt at fish stocking or because they were no longer wanted as pets.” Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada

Be on the lookout for the Snakehead. Report any sightings and help keep this invader out of Ontario's waters.
Be on the lookout for the Snakehead. Report any sightings and help keep this invader out of Ontario’s waters.

For further information about fishing regulations, please consult the 2013 Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary, available at ServiceOntario/Government Information Centres, licence issuers and at ontario.ca/fishing.

 

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours.  You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

 

 

81 GMO’s Made By Gene Splicing Not Labeled In Canada

There are no legally mandated requirements for GMO labelling in Canada. That means you might be eating genetically modified organisms and not know about it. These labels are being used by some Canadian producers to differentiate their products from GMO's.
There are no legally mandated requirements for GMO labelling in Canada. That means you might be eating genetically modified organisms and not know about it. These labels are being used by some Canadian producers to differentiate their products from GMO’s.

It is worth noting that South of the border  an important proposition was recently defeated. Proposition 37 as it was named, was a vote given to residents of California, for mandatory labelling of genetically modified food products. Given the distance between here and California you may wonder, what is the relevance?

Since 1996, 81 genetically modified organisms have been approved for market in Canada, and there is currently no requirement on labelling.
GMOs (or “genetically modified organisms”) are organisms that have been created through the gene-splicing techniques of biotechnology (also called genetic engineering, or GE). This relatively new science allows DNA from one species to be injected into another species in a laboratory, creating combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods.

In order to understand both sides of the GMO argument it is important to consider that these organisms were first engineered to increase plant yields and reduce the use of insecticides. With the growing world population it is also key to consider the benefits of higher crop yields and plants that contain higher amounts of vitamins and minerals for use in third world countries. Genetically modified foods can be found worldwide, there are varying levels of acceptance ranging from approval, mandatory labelling, to complete ban on foods.

Some of the inherent dangers of GMO foods include exploring the long term effects these foods are having on the individuals consuming them. Over the past few years GMOs have come under fire due to negative research. These studies have linked consumption of GMOs to increase in food allergies, sterility, organ and digestive system damage.

With wheat and apples up next for introduction as Canada’s next GMO foods, long term studies will help to contribute to learning more about GMO affects on health. Until then perhaps knowledge can be considered as power, mandatory labelling would allow consumers to make an informed choice. As consumers we can support campaigns that focus on mandatory labelling of GMO foods such as the NonGMO Project. Additional ways to avoid GMO foods include:
1. Choosing organic products, or ones that have been given the NonGMO symbol
2. Plant a garden at home using heritage seeds, not subjected to genetic modification
3. Drink lots of filtered water to help your body to continually detoxify
4. Eat locally grown foods that are GMO free
5. Choose pastured meats that are not fed GMO grains
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For the SiloAshley Beeton.

References:
1. Yum, H.Y., Lee, S.Y., Lee, K.E., Sohn, M.H., Kim, K.E. 2005. Genetically modified and wild soybeans: an immunologic comparison. Allergy and Asthma Proc 26, 210–6.
2. Verma, C., Nanda, S., Singh, R.K. 2011. A Review on Impacts of Genetically Modified Food on Human Health. The Open Nutraceuticals Journal, 4, 3-11
3. Health Canada. Frequently Asked Questions: Biotechnology and Genetically Modified Foods. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/gmf-agm/index-eng.php. Accessed 3 December 2012.

Supplemental- Groups including organic fruit growers oppose Okanagan GMO apple.

Horticulturist Art Drysdale on Okanagan GMO fruits