Sustainability Aspects of Applying GMOs in Aquaculture
FNI Report 7/2012. Lysaker, FNI, 2012, 71 p.
FNI Report 7/2012. Lysaker, FNI, 2012, 71 p.
The survey result showed that most respondents of UMB students had good knowledge about genetic modification and/or GMOs. Most of the respondents agreed that the use of GMOs results in negative environmental effects, and willingness to buy transgenic salmon increased considerably if it was more environmentally friendly. There was a tendency for men to be more positive than women towards buying transgenic salmon if it is more environmentally friendly.
Surprisingly, it was found that production of cheaper food could not motivate the majority of the students to support the use of GMOs. Many students were not willing to buy transgenic salmon if it was more nutritious or more disease resistant. Many students agreed that there is a need to reduce the risk by initiating more research on GMOs, that new knowledge about risks must be taken into account and that we need to seek expert advice to get more understanding about the potential risks to health and the environment. The students also strongly agreed upon the need to reduce the possible risks of GMOs application by increasing transparency to the public about research and information on GMO technology. Moreover, it was also acknowledged the need for improving communication between scientists and the public.