BIOETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS OF GENETIC ENGINEERING FOR AQUACULTURE

When one considers the concept of bioethical approaches to science, by its very nature, the application defaults to its origins in biomedical fields as it relates to human ethics.  As such, ethical considerations are most often narrowed down to deontological (duty) and utilitarian (utility) theories of ethics.  In human biomedical ethics these two theories are further focused on four areas: 1) autonomy; 2) non-maleficence; 3) beneficence; and, 4) justice.  Clearly, when one considers the potential and/or impacts of genetic engineering within the context of aquaculture of animals and/or plants the organisms being effected and affected by this technology cannot express autonomy as do humans.  Thus, researchers, institutional representatives, stakeholders, and general public assume the responsibility for being a surrogate voice of autonomy. In these cases, diligence must be given to differing value systems and worldviews in order to find common ground so as to advance knowledge and avoid emotive impasses that may only hinder advancement of the science and potential application. To a lesser degree, but still necessary in open discussion and consideration, are the bioethical areas of non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice; all three of which are more easily defined with less value conflicts that can become obstacles to science and application advancement.  This presentation will discuss the import of these four areas of bioethics within the context of aquaculture genetic engineering and what types of factors should be considered when conducting research.  This discussion will be coupled to putting the resultant technology into application whether it be for food consumption, biomedical product development (i.e., biopharming), or as model species for advancement of knowledge for human diseases.