25 September 2007

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand continues GM fish search - Update

MAF Biosecurity New Zealand (MAFBNZ) is continuing work tracing and seizing a number of genetically modified (GM) aquarium fish that are not permitted in the country.

The fish, modified Zebra danio (Danio rerio), were mistakenly imported and sold to a number of pet shops throughout New Zealand.

Incursion Manager David Yard says to date 333 of the GM danio fish have been recovered from an original 210 sold to shops. The difference in numbers is due to the downstream breeding and selling of the fish.

The fish in question had been genetically modified with a red fluorescent protein, making them an unusual bright red/pink colour. Their importation into New Zealand for aquarium use had not been authorised by the Environmental Risk Management Authority (ERMA) and, as such, they are illegal new organisms in breach of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Act.

MAFBNZ is the government agency charged with enforcing the HSNO Act.

Investigations into the presence of the fish commenced after reports by members of the public concerned that unusually coloured red zebra danios being sold online were genetically modified. The response itself began in July after these investigations determined that the suspect red zebra danios were GM.

Properties around New Zealand have been visited and GM fish on those premises were humanely euthanased using a fish anaesthetic.

Work has progressed tracing and destroying fish that have been on-sold, either by the original pet shops that received stocks, or by the downstream breeders.

``We are continuing to follow leads, but are also keen to hear from members of the public or fish enthusiasts who may have the fish or know of someone who does,’’ Mr Yard says.

``People who have, or have seen, bright red/pink coloured danios can contact MAFBNZ on the freephone 0800 80 99 66. Arrangements will be made for the fish to be collected and humanely put down.’’

David Yard says the GM danio fish pose an extremely low risk in biosecurity terms as they are unlikely to enter the food chain or have any environmental impacts. ``Being tropical, they are unlikely to be able to survive outside a temperature-controlled tank.

``They are, however, not legally here, and it is important that people keeping tropical fish are aware that the importation, possession or sale of unauthorised genetically modified organisms is illegal in New Zealand.’’

To report the presence of these fish, call 0800 80 99 66.

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