Rapid growth increases intrinsic predation risk in genetically modified Cyprinus carpio : implications for environmental risk

Abstract

The intrinsic effect of feeding regime on survival and predation‐induced mortality was experimentally tested in genetically modified ( GM ) Cyprinus carpio and wild specimens. The results clearly indicate a knock‐on effect of the GH gene ( gcGH ) introduction into the C. carpio genome on their vulnerability to predation. The experiments unequivocally showed that it is the genetic nature of the C. carpio rather than its size that affects the risk of predation. In addition, fed C. carpio were more susceptible to predation risk. Thus, the study characterizes the existence of a trade‐off between somatic growth and predator avoidance performance. Current research in Europe suggests that high uncertainty surrounding the potential environmental effects of escapee transgenic fishes into the wild is largely due to uncertainty in how the modified gene will be expressed. Understanding variables such as the cost of rapid growth on antipredator success would prove to be pivotal in setting up sound risk assessments for GM fishes and in fully assessing the environmental risk associated with GM fish escapees.

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