Problem formulation and options assessment: science-guided deliberation in environmental risk assessment of transgenic fish

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of problem formulation and options assessment (PFOA) for scientists, risk assessment specialists, industry representatives and other interested public stakeholders who may be involved in deliberation over transgenic fish technology. This chapter explains how PFOA contributes to environmental risk assessment and assesses its advantages and challenges for the subject of transgenic fish biosafety. Consideration of how PFOA can be incorporated into diverse governance situations is explored in 4 country-specific case studies (Chile, Cuba, Thailand and China). Each country's policy and regulatory context are outlined as well as how PFOA can be applied in each case. This chapter also illustrates some issues that PFOA may address in these contexts. A preliminary reflection about questions to consider when designing a country-specific PFOA is included.