Resolution 10-93 Oppose Marketing Genetically Engineered Atlantic Salmon

CITY OF HOMER
HOMER, ALASKA

Hogan

RESOLUTION 10-93

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF HOMER, ALASKA, OPPOSING AN APPLICATION TO THE U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) TO APPROVE AND MARKET GENETICALLY ENGINEERED ATLANTIC SALMON IN THE UNITED STATES.

WHEREAS, An application has been submitted to the FDA for a genetically engineered Atlantic salmon for human consumption and marketing in the United States; and

WHEREAS, This is the first genetically engineered animal intended to be used as food in the United States; and

WHEREAS, A Biological Opinion issued by the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2003 expresses concerns that transgenic salmon would threaten and adversely affect wild Atlantic salmon, currently on the Endangered Species List; and

WHEREAS, Federal agencies are required by Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act to consult with fisheries agencies when any action may impact a protected species; and

WHEREAS, The applicant proposes fertilization and incubation on Prince Edward Island, Canada and shipment of the eyed-eggs to Panama for grow-out and processing, all outside the jurisdiction of the United States, and proposes shipment of processed fish to the United States for retail sale; and

WHEREAS, The proposed activities pose a threat to the Wild Natural Salmon in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska; and

WHEREAS, This genetically modified fish has not been the subject of thorough scientific research and testing to ensure its consumption by humans is safe in the long term; and

WHEREAS, Many wild salmon consumers purchase the product for its widely recognized health benefits; this lack of testing could weaken consumer confidence in all salmon products; and

WHEREAS, Alaska’s wild seafood industry, which is extremely important to the state and local economy, could be severely impacted by the sale of genetically engineered salmon.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Homer City Council does not support approval of genetically engineered salmon for sale in the United States.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Homer City Council urges compliance with the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 provision (P.I. 110-85) requiring the FDA Commissioner “to consult with the Assistant Administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to produce a report on any environmental risks associated with genetically engineered seafood products, including the impact on wild fish stocks”.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that if despite strong environmental and human health concerns the application is approved by the FDA, product labeling requirements should include the words “Genetically Modified” prominently displayed in a minimum font size and a contrasting color on the front of the package.

PASSED and ADOPTED by the City Council of Homer, Alaska, this 22nd day of November, 2010.

CITY OF HOMER

_____________________________
JAMES C. HORNADAY, MAYOR
ATTEST:

______________________________
JO JOHNSON, CMC, CITY CLERK
Fiscal Note: N/A