GM salmon analysis a secret, groups complain

Environment Canada must let the public know if an environmental assessment on the production of genetically-modified salmon eggs on P.E.I. is being done, says a coalition of activists.

The company AquaBounty has asked the United States Food and Drug Administration to approve its GM Atlantic salmon for human consumption in U.S. The eggs would be produced in a facility in eastern P.E.I. They would be shipped to Panama for hatching, growing and processing.

The salmon are engineered to grow more quickly than natural salmon. A coalition of groups has come together to oppose its production.

"Both AquaBounty and Environment Canada refuse to tell the public if an environmental assessment for GE fish eggs has even begun." said Leo Broderick of the Council of Canadians in a news release Monday.

"It's outrageous that the public has no input at all and cannot know when or if the process has started."

The coalition, which also includes the P.E.I. Health Coalition, the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network and Earth Action PEI are calling for P.E.I. Premier Robert Ghiz to intervene and have Environment Canada disclose the status of any environmental assessment.