SB 25-GENETICALLY MODIFIED FISH CO-CHAIR SAMUELS announced that the final order of business would be SENATE BILL NO. 25 "An Act relating to labeling and identification of genetically modified fish and fish products." PAULA CADIENTE, Staff to Senator Kim Elton, Alaska State Legislature, presented SB 25 on behalf of Senator Elton and Senator Gary Stevens, co-sponsors. She said the bill requires modified finfish or shellfish sold in Alaska to be identified on the label at the retail level. These fish are also called "FrankenFish," she noted. Currently, a glow-in-the-dark aquarium fish is the only genetically modified fish allowed to be sold in the United States, she said, but an application is pending before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for genetically farmed fish for human consumption. MS. CADIENTE said Atlantic salmon are expected to be the first species slated for genetic modification, she noted, and others would likely follow. A United States and Canadian firm wants to introduce a genetically modified salmon to be sold worldwide. The allure of fast growing fish is economically enticing, she stated, and it is important for Alaska consumers to make informed choices. Required labeling allows marketers of Alaska seafood to "draw a bright line" between natural, wild fish and industrial fish. 1:12:24 PM REPRESENTATIVE GATTO asked about page 4, line 5, of SB 25. He said he understands the intent, but the term "not possible" should be exchanged with "highly unlikely." A court case may find a single case of it occurring in nature. MS. CADIENTE answered, "I think that 'not possible under natural conditions' just means not done in the laboratory." ALICE OTTOSON-MCKEEN, Middle-School Student, Juneau, said she was in favor of SB 25. She declared that she wants to know what she is eating. Genetically-modified fish have high levels of mercury and don't taste good, she added. The FDA's failure to require labeling of genetically modified foods is effectively restricting Americans from exercising a right, and subjects individuals to foods they have sound reasons to avoid. "Why not label them?" she asked. She said everyone wants to know what is in their food. 1:16:08 PM JERRY MCCUNE, United Fisherman of Alaska, Juneau, noted today's Anchorage Daily News and New York Times, which reported that retailers and distributors don't know the difference between farmed and wild fish. He said it is in the consumer's interest to have labeling laws, so people know what they are buying. 1:17:24 PM REPRESENTATIVE SEATON moved to report SB 25 out of committee with individual recommendations and accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, SB 25 was reported out of the House Resources Standing Committee.