Frankenfish? here we go! Three views on the topic:

http://www.nature.com/news/transgenic-salmon-nears-approval-1.12903

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2013/apr/24/genetically-modified-salmon-aquabounty-panama-united-states

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/10/opinion/sunday/dont-be-afraid-of-genetic-modification.html?pagewanted=all

So, they say that the safety is here for modified fish. If anyone has seen Jurassic Park, you know that chaos theory reigns. Look at GMO seed for corn, alfalfa and soy. Farmers used to be able to use any seed, however, cross pollination has made it such that now 85+% of these commodities are GMO, much of which is now patented seed! We are patenting mother nature with some scientific changes. 

DNA is next up for patent because someone found a gene, figured out the gene is associated to a disease risk and wants to be paid for the discovery! That is like patenting a surgical procedure. I perform the surgery and you have to pay me royalties for devising the procedure. It used to be that physicians just put their name on it, taught others how to do it and were content. No longer. 

Science and medicine are about solving problems. Paying for someone's services is right, however, a patented gene or procedure because you found it makes little sense to me. Patenting a seed that can contaminate another local farmers crop and then not allowing its use unless one pays a royalty seems strange as well. 

Back to the fish! Do we really believe that these fish are going to stay out of the ocean and not corrupt normal fisheries? History would disagree. However, I surely hope so because our government is likely to approve this fish for American consumption. I also hope that they are correct in regards to safety. If not, too late for a redo.

Interestingly, they are discussing yet again to not label any of the fish as GMO. If it is so safe, let us choose. These are not the same fish. Whether they turn out to be safe is yet to be determined. Corn fed beef was thought to be great. 

Label appropriately and let capitalism and the market dictate its future. To not allow it to be labeled is akin to selling pyrite as gold because they look the same. We already know that grass fed beef is much healthier than corn fed varieties. Do we really not get a chance to vet the fish ourselves before it is thrust upon us??? No one would ever let them mislabel gold!

Just my opinion, make your own decision and vote accordingly,

Dr. M