Directions: Within Unit 7, lessons 1-8 have prepared you to complete a piece of analytical writing. Recall what you have learned in this portfolio to write an analysis of the texts, “Genetically Modified Salmon Can Feed the World” by Yonathan Zohar and “Say No to Genetically Engineered Salmon” by Rick Moonen. Use the prompts to guide your response.
Your portfolio must include the following:
-A minimum one paragraph response to each of the questions listed below. No introduction or conclusion are needed. You will turn in at least three paragraphs.
-This assignment is NOT a compare and contrast between the two articles. This assignment is NOT asking for your opinion, or for you to pick which article is more persuasive.
-In-text citations when referencing the two articles. Ex. (Zohar) or (Moonen) According to Moonen, “dfdsfjds”. “Dsfsdlfj” (Moonen)
Prompt 1: According to Moonen, what are the risks of genetically engineered (GE) salmon to the environment and natural salmon populations? According to Zohar, what are the benefits of GE salmon to the environment and natural salmon populations?
Moonen warns of several potential risks that genetically engineered salmon pose to the environment and natural salmon populations. One major risk he emphasizes is the threat of interbreeding between GE salmon and wild salmon if the GE salmon were to escape into the natural environment. This could lead to genetic pollution and a decline in the genetic diversity of wild salmon, which is critical for their survival and adaptability (Moonen). Furthermore, Moonen suggests that the introduction of these engineered fish could disrupt the natural ecosystem and potentially outcompete the native salmon for resources, ultimately leading to their decline or possibly their extinction (Moonen). Moonen also highlights concerns over the spread of diseases from farmed to wild fish populations, which could be exacerbated by the farming of GE salmon.
In contrast, Zohar presents GE salmon as a potential benefit to the environment and natural salmon populations by suggesting that their cultivation in biosecure, land-based aquaculture systems could drastically reduce fishing pressure on wild stocks. By producing a more efficient salmon that grows faster and converts feed more efficiently, Zohar argues that GE salmon farming could feed more people with less impact on natural ecosystems (Zohar). This, in turn, could help in the conservation of wild salmon populations by lowering the demand for wild-caught fish. Zohar also believes that the controlled environment of land-based aquaculture lessens the risk of disease and parasite transfer to wild populations, and that physical containment measures can greatly mitigate the risk of escape (Zohar).
Prompt 2: How does Zohar address the concerns Moonen has about the risks GE salmon pose to the environment and natural salmon populations?
Zohar addresses the concerns raised by Moonen regarding the environmental risks of GE salmon by emphasizing the technological and biosecurity measures in place within modern aquaculture systems. He advocates that closed containment systems can effectively prevent escapes, thereby removing the threat of GE salmon interbreeding with or outcompeting wild salmon populations (Zohar). Moreover, Zohar contends that the risk of disease and parasite transmission can be controlled through strict biosecurity protocols, which are easier to maintain in land-based aquaculture setups compared to traditional open-net pens (Zohar).
In addition, Zohar argues that the genetic modifications made to these salmon are designed to benefit aquaculture production without adversely affecting wild populations. He contends that these alterations are precise and can be managed to ensure no negative impact on wild salmon (Zohar). He also posits that by satisfying a portion of the global seafood demand with GE salmon, there will be less pressure on wild catches, leading to the potential recovery and protection of the natural salmon populations (Zohar). Zohar aims to reassure that the technological advancements in GE salmon aquaculture have been developed with environmental and ecological considerations at the forefront, thus addressing the concerns Moonen has about the risks to the environment and natural salmon populations.
Prompt 3: According to Moonen, what are the potential human health risks associated with consuming GE salmon? How does Zohar suggest that GE salmon could provide health benefits?
Moonen raises concerns about the potential human health risks associated with consuming GE salmon. He specifically questions the long-term safety of consuming fish that have been genetically modified, citing a lack of comprehensive studies on the health effects these fish could have on humans (Moonen). He also expresses apprehension regarding the potential for increased allergenicity and the possibility that the altered genetic material in GE salmon could have unintended consequences when consumed by humans (Moonen). Moonen insists that because the long-term impacts are not fully understood, the precautionary principle should be applied, suggesting that GE salmon should not be consumed until proven safe over the long term.
On the other hand, Zohar suggests that GE salmon could potentially offer several health benefits. He points out that GE salmon are designed to grow faster and more efficiently, thereby having the capacity to produce more omega-3 fatty acids which are essential for human cardiovascular and brain health (Zohar). Zohar also mentions the possibility of further genetic enhancements that could increase the nutritional value of the salmon, such as better protein content and vitamin levels (Zohar). He argues that the enhanced growth rates and feed conversion efficiencies enable the production of a more sustainable protein source, which could help in addressing global food security and nutritional deficiencies (Zohar). Zohar stresses that the genetic modifications made to salmon are intended to improve food production and that rigorous assessments by regulatory bodies ensure that GE salmon are safe for human consumption (Zohar).