Begich: Don’t Introduce Frankenfish into Food Chain

Alaska Sen. Mark Begich claims genetically modified salmon could devastate the food chain.

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By Sean Doogan

Story Created: Nov 3, 2011 at 2:24 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 6, 2012 at 11:12 AM AKDT

Frankenfish

  • Begich: Genetically modified salmon shouldn’t be introduced into the market/food chain
  • Genetically modified salmon a mix of Atlantic and Pacific salmon DNA, and Chinook and eel DNA, as well
  • Begich staffers created and handed out Frankenfish buttons trick-or-treat style in Washington, D.C.
  • Conservationists, sport fishermen alike concerned about repercussions of genetically engineered salmon
  • Seeking to prevent interstate sale of product
  • Begich: Should work to improve sustainability of wild fish market—not engineering fish as a solution
  • Fear of diseases
  • Says catfish farming and farming of genetically engineered fish two completely different issues
  • Introduction could have devastating long-term impact on food chain


Indian Affairs Committee

  • Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii working on the Stand Against Violence and Empower Native Women Act (SAVE Act)
  • If passed, would allow tribal governments to have jurisdiction over non-tribal members in matters of domestic violence, sexual assault and rape
  • Over 230 federally recognized (but not state recognized) tribes in Alaska
  • Current solution is to lock up offenders/perpetrators, but says no real prevention or treatment offered


Golden Mouse Award

  • Earned award for the top site in the U.S. Senate.
  • Wanted to create a forum for discussion; goal to create a robust web site
  • Invitation for communication statewide
  • Recently launched hub for rural Alaska
  • Calls social media a powerful tool and emphasized the importance of real-time communication



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