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

Author

Listed:
  • Hannah Winther

    (8018Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway)

  • Torill Blix

    (The Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Norway
    NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Climate and Environment, Bergen, Norway)

  • Lotte Holm

    (University of Copenhagen, Section for Consumption, Bioethics and Governance, Denmark)

  • Anne Ingeborg Myhr

    (NORCE Norwegian Research Centre AS, Climate and Environment, Norway)

  • Bjørn Myskja

    (8018Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway)

Abstract

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

Suggested Citation

  • Hannah Winther & Torill Blix & Lotte Holm & Anne Ingeborg Myhr & Bjørn Myskja, 2024. "A social and ethical game-changer? An empirical ethics study of CRISPR in the salmon farming industry," Environmental Values, , vol. 33(5), pages 476-494, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envval:v:33:y:2024:i:5:p:476-494
    DOI: 10.1177/09632719231196543
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