HJR 5-OPPOSE GENETICALLY ENGINEERED SALMON  10:07:51 AM CHAIR SEATON announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5, Opposing the United States Food and Drug Administration's preliminary finding relating to genetically engineered salmon; urging further examination of genetically engineered salmon; opposing AquaBounty's petition to produce genetically engineered salmon; and proposing, if AquaBounty's petition is approved, that its product should be labeled as "genetically modified." 10:08:20 AM REPRESENTATIVE GERAN TARR, Alaska State Legislature, introduced HJR 5 and said the application for the resolution has existed for a number of years; however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now in the final stages of approval. She stressed the urgency for this resolution, stating: It's the first time that the FDA would approve, for human consumption, a genetically modified organism (GMO). So that really draws a line in the sand in terms of application of this technology. REPRESENTATIVE TARR directed attention to the committee packet and the pictures provided of the two fish species from which deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is used for genetically modified organism (GMO) purposes. One is the ocean pout, an eel like fish with a characteristic of continual growth; and the other is Chinook salmon, known for its size and rapid growth. The combined DNA from these two fish, into the genetic make-up of the Atlantic salmon, produces what is often referred to as Frankenfish; genetically engineered to produce growth hormones for its entire life span, and to grow to maturity in half the time of wild salmon. In December the FDA announced a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) decision and opened the topic for public comment, which are being accepted until 2/25/13. The resolution is being introduced in conjunction with oppositional comments that the FDA will be receiving from Alaska's governor and congressional delegation. The concerns for this GMO product include: threats to wild salmon stocks; risk to the state economy; and risk to public health. Elaborating, she said that the farmed Atlantic salmon pose an escapement threat, which is backed by fishermen frequently reporting incidental catches of pen reared Atlantic salmon originating in Washington State and British Columbia, Canada. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) recognize and acknowledge the risks posed, and the associated effects on wild salmon stocks. The genetically modified fish is more aggressive and predatory. The possibility also exists for escaped GMO fish to crossbreed with wild fish. Although promoted as sterile, studies indicate a five percent reproduction rate, which, among other concerns, threatens the ability for Alaska wild salmon marketers to ensure confident labeling practices. Consumption of a GMO fish means also consuming foreign DNA, along with growth hormones. The risks to human health have not been determined by the FDA. Long term safety testing has not been completed, posing unknown risks among vulnerable populations, especially children and expectant mothers. The economic risk may be negatively impacted, similar to downward turn that occurred when farmed salmon were introduced in the 1990s. Marketing efforts has created a recognizable, trusted brand for Alaska Seafood and preservation of consumer confidence is paramount for continued economic stability. Part of the marketing campaign includes the health benefits associated with salmon consumption. Consideration should also be given to the fact that the fishing industry is the second largest private sector employer in Alaska. Finally, she said that HJR 5 is an opportunity to address FDA with a unified voice to protect wild Alaska salmon. Representative Tarr pointed out that many letters of support have been received and made part of the committee packet. Additionally, suggestions have been made regarding specific language, and will be offered as amendments. On request she reviewed the three potential amendments. CHAIR SEATON opened public testimony. 10:18:31 AM GERALD McCUNE, Lobbyist, Cordova District Fishermen United, stated support for HJR 5 and the suggested amendments. He said if the FDA goes ahead with the decision, the next step for Alaska would be to ensure stipulations for appropriate product labeling. 10:19:49 AM JULIANNE CURRY, Executive Director, United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA), stated support for HJR 5 and said the organization has a long standing history of opposition to genetically modified salmon. REPRESENTATIVE HERRON asked if similar concerns and opposition to Frankenfish exists in other northwest states. MS. CURRY said yes, and each round of consideration has brought renewed opposition from numerous organizations on the federal level. REPRESENTATIVE HERRON acknowledged that Alaska fishermen are opposed to GMO fish, and asked what the stance is from the environmental organizations. MS. CURRY said that historically the environmentalist organizations also take an oppositional stance to GMO production. 10:22:36 AM CHAIR SEATON closed public testimony. 10:23:00 AM REPRESENTATIVE TARR named the organizations supporting the resolution, which include: Alaska Glacier Seafoods, International Seafoods of Alaska, Pickled Willies, United Fishermen of Alaska, Petersburg Vessel Owners Association, Alaska Trollers Association, Southeast Alaska Fishermen, Cordova District Fishermen's United, and the City and Borough of Yakutat. 10:24:07 AM REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS moved to adopt conceptual Amendment 1, which read [original punctuation provided]: P. 1, Line 14 - cleaner [less polluted] P. 3, Line 8 - must, [omit should] P. 3, Line 8 - "Genetically Modified", as required by  Alaska law, CHAIR SEATON seeing no objection announced Amendment 1, in three parts, as adopted. 10:25:46 AM REPRESENTATIVE HERRON moved to report HJR 5, as amended, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHJR 5(FSH) was reported from the House Special Committee on Fisheries. 10:26:35 AM The committee took an at-ease from 10:26 a.m. to 10:29 a.m.