Posted on: Friday, April 27, 2001

Biotech a crucial part of Isle economic future

When talk of diversifying Hawai'i's economy comes up, it usually turns to the standards: computers, software, information technology and the like.

But there is another avenue for diversification that may offer a less immediate but ultimately more lasting punch for the Islands: biotechnology.

Hawai'i's isolation, weather and mid-ocean location make the state ideal for certain kinds of biotechnological research and development. Examples range from our leading role in the development of seed corn through advanced research in the field of endangered species.

What some people might not realize is that Hawai'i is already a national leader in the biotech field of aquaculture and may soon be an international leader.

As reported by Science Writer Jan TenBruggencate, researchers and scientists at the Oceanic Institute at Makapu'u are developing cutting-edge technology in the farming or raising of fish and other seafood.

The institute has already developed "high-tech" strains of shrimp, moi and mullet that are producing impressive commercial results. There is even work on captive production of ornamental saltwater aquarium fish.

Because of its leading role, the institute was recently asked by Washington to lead in the development of national standards for the use of biotechnology in aquaculture, TenBruggencate reports.

The day is not far off when seafood will become the world's leading source of protein. When that day arrives, Hawai'i's early interest and investment in high-technology aquaculture will pay off many times over.

So while it is important to continue development of computer research, call centers and software development, we must not lose sight of what, in the long term, may be our strongest high-tech suit: biotechnology.