Sunday, May 19, 2013
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Begich: Don’t Introduce Frankenfish into Food Chain
Alaska Sen. Mark Begich claims genetically modified salmon could devastate the food chain.
By Sean Doogan
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
