If rats could swim...

The Star on 19 April carried an AFP report on page 31 titled "Tropical paradise culls tilapia". Such a small report on page 31, when this news has frightening implications for those nations already trying to cash in on aquaculture and biotechnology.

Koror: The Pacific nation of Palau is exterminating thousands of the world's most widely farmed fish to protect its richly varied local species.

Tilapia, a primarily freshwater fish native to the Middle East and the Nile region, is confined to just four inland ponds in Palau, an archipelago east of the Philippines.

Its ability to reproduce quickly and eat anything means it would outcompete native fish if it escapes into Palau's rich natural enviroment.

"Tilapia has the potential to wreak havoc for a long time," said Tarita Holm, an eradication team leader. "Tilipia is worse than an oil spill.

Tilapia has caused major problems around the world, most notably in Africa's Lake Victoria. Holm said other Pacific nations also tried unsuccessfully to get rid of the fish.

Why should this news be of concern to us? Recently, Aliran Monthly carried an IPS feature article "Look Mom, it's genetically altered fish!" warning about the risks posed by tilapia fish. The article pointed out:

Much attention has focused on a species of fish known as tilapia, which is widely regarded as ideal for breeding. They grow fast, waste little food, and require little attention. Tilapia are said to be similar to rats in their ability to adapt and can take advantage of whatever they find to feed on - and that is precisely why they can pose risks to the balance of natural ecosystems.

Of greater concern to us is that the Penang-based Worldfish Center has been promoting Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) in this region. This GIFT fish is basically derived from the selective breeding (using biotechnology shortcuts) of tilapia over several generations and such fish is being promoted in Malaysia and in the region.

Now this is a story that the local media should be pursuing. Why is the Worldfish Center promoting tilapia, when it poses serious risks to the ecosystem? Few people are aware that a private Norwegian firm, Genomar ASA, has claimed the lucrative commercial rights to the GIFT fish.

Why have our media failed to discuss the dangers of farmed fish like tilapia, in particular? And why do our media not look more critically at the much-touted claims and benefits that biotechnology promises?

From a broader perspective, why is there no serious discussion of the uncertainties and health risks posed by genetically "improved' or modified food in Malaysia?

Is it because the corporate media like The Star is largely pro-business and do not want to undermine the claims of the biotechnology and GM industry, seen as an emerging and potentially lucrative industry in this part of the world?

Why has there been no serious and ongoing attempt to educate the Malaysian public about the importance of proper labelling of food items containing GM ingredients?

It is obvious that the mainstream media are so reluctant to be more critical of the biotechnology industry's claims. There is a vast amount of scientific literature out there pointing to the risks posed by GM food and debunking some of the unsubstantiated claims of the biotechnology industry.

Have our media prostrated themselves before Big Business (the biotechnology industry) by failing to look more critically at its claims and to present the other side of the story?