31 JULY NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE 2439

SCHEDULE 9: CONTAINMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR WORK WITH FISH

Requirements for work involving genetically modified fish

The following code of practice for containment of genetically modified fish is recommended as a minimum. The primary objective in the provision of a containment facility for work with transgenic fish is the retention of the smallest water borne viable particles, such as sperm at approximately 5 micron, and the prevention of the escape of any genetically modified fish. Where possible, transgenic work should be restricted to sterile fish.

If a native organism is involved, provide evidence of the outcome of consultation with iwi on the likely effect of genetic modification on taonga Maori.

If human gene transfer into non-human organisms is involved, provide justification for the use of a human DNA sequence as opposed to using its non-human homologue.

Containment facility design

i Facilities used for hatching and raising fingerlings to grow-out stage shall be located in totally enclosed buildings of vermin and amphibia proof design. Entry and exit to the facility should be through an air locked entrance with provision for clothing changes and showers.

ii The building must not form an access way to other buildings or parts of a building. Full provision shall be made to prevent unauthorised entry to the building.

iii The building must not be located in any area that is prone to flooding; nor should effluent water from the building drain without treatment into rivers, streams or beaches.

iv The facility should use recirculating water where transgenic work is being carried out. Flow-through systems should not be used unless approved by the ACNGT.

v Water input and output pipes should be double screened. Discharged water should be passed through an appropriate trap prior to discharge.

Effluent water

It is necessary to change water used in a recirculating system. For some species of fish, it may be necessary to remove and replace 5-10% of the water daily. Larval fish and eggs of many species are extremely small and transparent, and it is essential to ensure that escapes are trapped and/or killed by filtration, heat or chemical treatment before water flows out of the facility.

Spawning

While it is preferred that transgenic research concentrates on the production of sterile fish, it is conceded that this approach is unlikely to be satisfactory to all researchers.

Many species of fish have sticky eggs which attach firmly to a substrate. Eggs seldom hatch in unison and it is normal practice to discard those eggs which fail to hatch within a given time. The small size and transparent nature of eggs make it mandatory to ensure that nets and other utensils used in the tank containing transgenic fish do not transfer viable eggs to other tanks or to flow-through systems.

i Nets, spawning mats or other spawning substrates shall be sterilised or incinerated once the hatch is completed.

ii If fish are induced to spawn on the side of tanks, it will be necessary to decontaminate the tanks. Decontamination will be by a procedure of demonstrable efficacy in sterilising eggs and sperm for species used in the work.

iii All nets and utensils used during spawning must be sterilised.

Predators and theft