A social and ethical game-changer? An empirical ethics study of CRISPR in the salmon farming industry

• DOI: 10.1177/09632719231196543
• Publication Date: 2023-12-09T06:29:55Z
• Authors: Hannah Winther; Torill Blix; Lotte Holm; Anne Ingeborg Myhr; Bjørn Myskja
• Keywords: Bioethics

The genome editing technology CRISPR is described as a technological game-changer because of its flexibility and precision, an ethical due to ability engineer traits in living organisms without crossing species, avoiding significant objection genetically modified (GMOs). In salmon farming, applications breeding hold the promise handling environmental fish welfare challenges yet require social acceptance. Adopting empirical bioethics framework, this stakeholder interview study shows that respecting species borders important, but not decisive, for acceptance among Norwegian stakeholders. main objections are based on moral reflections about use outcomes. These combine principles pragmatic deliberations costs benefits, suggesting with environmentally ethically benefits can be socially acceptable. This indicates game-changing potential relies characteristics context which application takes place.