Today we are here to talk about the economic and environmental impacts of adding a completely new type of fish that was created in a laboratory into our oceans.

Chairman Begich's decision to hold this hearing is a very important step toward achieving a better understanding of the full suite of environmental risks posed by GE salmon.

If I can follow--I want to understand, if you can describe a little bit, is the Panama facility one that is designed specifically for this purpose, or has it been used for something else and you're part of--who owns this facility?

I have supported efforts to establish a rigorous approval process before the introduction of these animals into commerce, and am strongly committed to continuing that work.

We need the government to stand up and do its job.

Even--you don't spend a half million dollars just because people bring up an issue and you want to just do it.

If we really want more salmon in America, well, then let's not sell 70 percent of our Alaska salmon abroad.

In my view, the question before the Federal Government, and before this committee, is whether we're going to allow the approval of GE fish under a flawed process that fails to adequately analyze these kinds of risks.

Thank you very much.

GE fish is a dangerous short cut that provides only a few modest benefits alongside a host of potential risks.

Well, let me pause you there. It's important because...

my condolences to Senator Snowe, but my enthusiasm to Senator Begich

the ability to have sustainable food supplies in a broader sense is a national security issue

I believe the ban would as Senator Begich suggested, slow down the process to a point whereby more relevant agencies could have an opportunity to enhance the scientific review process.

And is there a legal requirement, they have to do that?

Congress should ensure that the Federal agencies with environmental protection as their core mission... play a substantive role in fully assessing these risks.

Demand a far more inclusive and transparent process than has happened to date.

I believe that the US should take a precautionary and sensible approach to GE fish.

the quantity and the quality has increased significantly in how we manage it, how we handle it.

Demand that the National Marine Fisheries Service and other agencies with expertise in fishery biology play a substantive role in assessing those risks.

As I speak, the Food and Drug Administration is considering a landmark decision: whether to allow the first genetically engineered animal to be produced and sold for human consumption.

Demand a modern, environmental risk assessment that treats uncertainty directly, before decisions are made, on this fish or any future fish.

the real threat to salmon is actually environmental destruction

we have to manage this in the right way, and I think we have an important role here as the Subcommittee on Oceans, but also as the Commerce Committee in the Senate, to review this issue very carefully.

I am therefore fully supportive of Senator Begich's legislation, S. 1717, to ban interstate commerce of genetically engineered salmon.