<scp>DNA</scp> barcoding of fresh seafood in Australian markets reveals misleading labelling and sale of endangered species

Khalil, Andrew M; Gainsford, Ashton; Herwerden, Lynne van

doi:10.1111/jfb.15308

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 36 publications

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“…However, the export of threatened species is likely to occur as catch data is often reported in broad groups (e.g. 'sharks and rays'), masking species identity 6 , and DNA studies of internationally traded seafood show that threatened species are often sold under other names 14,15 . In light of these findings, we recommend species acknowledged as threatened on global conventions (e.g., IUCN Red List, CMS, and CITES) be assessed in Australia's new threatened species legislation and, if data deficient, the precautionary principle should apply 16 .…”

Section: Environmental Law Reform Needed To Manage Trade Of Australia...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental Law Reform Needed to Manage Trade of Australia’s Threatened Marine Species

Dominguez-Martinez,

Roberson,

Gephart

et al. 2024

Preprint

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The protection and regulation of international trade of Australia’s native species is legislated by its Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act of 1999. In response to overwhelming evidence that the Act is ineffective at protecting biodiversity, the Australian Government is currently reforming its environmental laws. One problematic component of the Act is in cases where threatened species interact with multiple regulatory and management frameworks, such as commercially fished marine species that are traded as seafood. Here, we analyzed international seafood trade data and found that Australia exports four threatened fish species listed under the Act and additional species acknowledged as globally threatened. In light of our analysis, we have three recommendations for Australia’s new environmental legislation: 1) apply the same precautions to commercially harvested species as to other threatened species; 2) review the status of all threatened species annually; and 3) assess species listed on global conservation conventions. These recommendations will help ensure that Australia’s marine biodiversity is protected, despite its commercial value.

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Section: Environmental Law Reform Needed To Manage Trade Of Australia...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental Law Reform Needed to Manage Trade of Australia’s Threatened Marine Species

Dominguez-Martinez,

Roberson,

Gephart

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Vague labelling of shark products in Australia’s fish and chip shops undermines consumer choice and sustainability of domestic shark fisheries

Hasan,

Chaplin,

Braccini

2023

Food and Humanity

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Mislabeled and ambiguous market names in invertebrate and finfish seafood conceal species of conservation concern in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Morris,

Summers,

Kwan

et al. 2024

PeerJ

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Background The mislabeling of seafood, wherein a food product’s marketed name does not match its contents, has the potential to mask species of conservation concern. Less discussed is the role of legally ambiguous market names, wherein a single name could be used to sell multiple species. Here we report the first study in Canada to examine mislabeling and ambiguous market names in both invertebrate (e.g., bivalve, cephalopod, shrimp) and finfish products. Methods A total of 109 invertebrate and 347 finfish products were sampled in Calgary between 2014 and 2020. Market names were documented from the label or equivalent and determined to be precise (the name could apply to only one species) or ambiguous (multiple species could be sold under that name). A region of the cytochrome c oxidase I gene was sequenced and compared to reference sequences from boldsystems.org. Samples were considered mislabeled if the species identified through DNA barcoding did not correspond to the market name, as determined through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Fish List. Mislabeling was further differentiated between semantic mislabeling, wherein the market name was not found on the Fish List but the barcode identity was in line with what a consumer could reasonably have expected to have purchased; invalid market names, wherein the market name was so unusual that no legitimate inferences as to the product’s identity could be made; and product substitution, wherein the DNA barcode identified the product as a species distinct from that associated with the market name. Invalid market names and product substitutions were used to provide conservative estimates of mislabeling. The global conservation status of the DNA-identified invertebrate or finfish was determined through the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List. A logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between precision and accuracy in predicting conservation status of the sampled species. Results There was no significant difference in mislabeling occurrence between invertebrates (33.9% total mislabeling occurrence, 20.2% product substitution) and finfish (32.3% total mislabeling occurrence, 21.3% product substitution/invalid market names). Product substitutions sometimes involved species of conservation concern, such as foods marketed as freshwater eel (Anguilla rostrata) that were determined through DNA barcoding to be European eel (Anguilla anguilla), or cuttlefish balls putatively identified as the Endangered threadfin porgy (Evynnis cardinalis). Product substitutions and ambiguous market names were significantly associated with the sale of species of conservation concern, but ambiguity was a more important predictor. Although preventing the mislabeling of seafoods can and must remain a priority in Canada, our work suggests that moving towards precise names for all seafood products will better support sustainable fisheries goals.

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DNA barcoding of fresh seafood in Australian markets reveals misleading labelling and sale of endangered species

Cited by 3 publications

References 36 publications

Environmental Law Reform Needed to Manage Trade of Australia’s Threatened Marine Species

Environmental Law Reform Needed to Manage Trade of Australia’s Threatened Marine Species

Vague labelling of shark products in Australia’s fish and chip shops undermines consumer choice and sustainability of domestic shark fisheries

Mislabeled and ambiguous market names in invertebrate and finfish seafood conceal species of conservation concern in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

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