Video transcript

Comm: Tiny Marine algae contain omega 3. Fish eat the algae, and we eat the fish, so we get the health giving omega 3. But there's a problem.

Prof Napier: The evidence is clear that fish and fish oils are good for us, everybody should eat fish oils and eat more fish, but the fish stocks are in decline this is a big problem.

Comm: So to help save those fish stocks, take the omega 3 producing genes from the algae and encourage a plant to take up those genes such that future generations of the plant produce seeds rich in fish based omega 3 oil.

Prof Napier: So we would use genetic engineering to produce plants that have the trait for producing fish oils.

Comm: These genetically modified plants could be commercially available within 5 years. Would you eat the omega 3 that they'll produce?

Prof Napier: The case for GM derived omega 3 fatty acids is stronger probably than any other example of a GM derived product. Because this in an example of something that is of benefit to the consumer it's a healthy product, but also it's of benefit to the environment it's helping to maintain our fish stock.