Meanwhile, in San Diego, Aquatic Systems, a division of Kent SeaFarms Corp., is developing genetic-engineering techniques for striped bass and hybrid striped bass. But traits affecting the taste of the fish are not being considered by any producer. The commercially successful catfish is also on the lab table, undergoing performance enhancements. At the University of Auburn in Alabama, researchers have produced transgenic fish that grow 20 percent faster than anything swimming in ponds today. And a consortium of private companies called the Super Shrimp Group, located in San Diego, is using genetic engineering to halt the spread of disease in shrimp farms.
Transgenic seafood appears to offer an abundant, economical and good-tasting protein source.
Yet to be determined, however, is whether consumers want their food built in laboratories. In fact, a backlash against genetically engineered foods is now emerging overseas. Monsanto is pushing hard in Britain for acceptance of its NewLeaf genetically engineered potatoes. The U.K.'s Advertising Standards Authority is currently considering censuring Monsanto for a series of ads it ran on the safety of genetically engineered foods. ASA says the ads are misleading.