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

What was the research about?
This research focused on how the mislabeling and use of ambiguous names in seafood products can conceal the sale of species that are endangered or of conservation concern. The study was conducted in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and it is the first in Canada to examine both invertebrate (like shrimp, bivalves, and cephalopods) and finfish (fish with fins) products.

What problem did the researchers want to solve?
The researchers aimed to uncover how often seafood products are mislabeled in Calgary markets. They wanted to know if seafood labels accurately reflected the species being sold or if ambiguous names were being used, potentially hiding the sale of species that are at risk of extinction.

What methods did the researchers use?
Between 2014 and 2020, they collected 109 invertebrate and 347 finfish samples from various markets in Calgary. They used DNA barcoding, a method where a region of the DNA (cytochrome c oxidase I gene) is sequenced and matched against known species from a database (boldsystems.org), to identify the actual species in each sample. They compared the results to the marketed names of the seafood and checked the conservation status of each species using the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

What did they find?
The study found that about one in five of both invertebrate (20.2%) and finfish (21.3%) products were mislabeled. In some cases, the mislabeling involved product substitution, where the species sold was different from the species listed. For instance, some products marketed as freshwater eel (Anguilla rostrata) were actually European eel (Anguilla anguilla), an endangered species. Another example was cuttlefish balls identified as threadfin porgy (Evynnis cardinalis), also an endangered species. 

Why is this research important?
The research is important because it shows that mislabeled seafood, especially when using ambiguous names, can hide the sale of endangered or vulnerable species. This makes it harder for consumers to make sustainable choices and undermines efforts to protect threatened species.

What were the key conclusions?
The study concluded that seafood mislabeling and the use of ambiguous market names are significant issues. To better support sustainable fishing practices, the researchers recommend moving towards more precise labeling for all seafood products. This would help prevent the sale of species of conservation concern and support more sustainable fisheries.

How can this research help?
By identifying the need for clearer seafood labeling, this research can influence policy changes and regulations, encouraging more transparent seafood markets. It can also raise awareness among consumers, helping them make more informed choices when purchasing seafood.

This study highlights the intersection of food safety, consumer rights, and conservation, showing how proper labeling can play a crucial role in protecting endangered species.

Image: Rainbow Trout mislabeled as Salmon

 

 

 

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