Biotech Salmon? Science, Progress, Engineering

“For the last 15 years, AquaBounty, the Massachusetts-based company that is seeking FDA approval to create and sell biotech salmon, has been working on creating a fast-growing salmon by combining the genes of a Chinook salmon and an ocean pout—an eel-like fish. In September, an FDA staff analysis concluded that the genetically-modified salmon is safe to eat and poses little harm to the environment.” (more here)

The Losers (Edward Kay)

“The FDA is poised to put the first genetically engineered salmon on our dinner plates despite the fact that 91 percent of Americans feel that genetically engineered fish and meat should not be allowed into the marketplace. That so many Americans oppose what will likely be a milestone decision about the future of seafood should be sounding alarm bells at the FDA.” (more genetic insult)

So the Obama Administration seems no more brilliant than the W Administration re our fisheries. The preoccupation with the Science Diety will lead to ever more bio designs that do not hold sacred anything natural, native or wild.

“Andrew Pollack writes in the NYTimes that Genetically Altered Salmon Get Closer to the Table about AquaBounty‘s GM super-fish which…

“…contains a growth hormone gene from a Chinook salmon as well as a genetic on-switch from the ocean pout, a distant relative of the salmon. Normally, salmon do not make growth hormone in cold weather. But the pout’s on-switch keeps production of the hormone going year round. The result is salmon that can grow to market size in 16 to 18 months instead of three years.”

It still needs FDA approval, but as you can imagine, luddites and religious wingnuts of all flavors are already protesting noisily.”   Maximizing Progress

Notice how easily the Science is God crowd throw the names about re those calling into question the soundness of such decisions? “luddites and religious wingnuts”? Seems to be the response anymore to those that question. Name call, marginalize, demean and move on to engineering some facet of our life toward ‘progress’. Don’t question science and progress.

Fly Fishing: Sunscreen & Vanity’s Price

 

SwittersB Sun Damage

This collectors edition photo of SwittersB is not because I am that vain, but rather because I was, at times, that and careless. The damage from sun exposure was frequent and at a relatively young age, it shows. I recently had occasion to stand in front of a TV camera for an interview. The shot was situated so giant windows provided light for the shot. It also highlighted my complexion in a shocking way. It was winter and and I did not have any color, save my sun/age spots….many spots. I was a blotchy patchwork of spots. I was aghast as vanity & carelessness came to roost. The back of my hands are equally spotted.

Sunscreen and protection. I do have a few spots on the forehead and collarbone that never quite heal. I am headed to the dermatologist. I know what I will hear. Vanity and carelessness. Ok, don’t lecture me about the briar.