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DNA barcoding of fresh seafood in Australian markets reveals misleading labelling and sale of endangered species |
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| Authors: | Andrew M. Khalil Ashton Gainsford Lynne van Herwerden |
| Affiliation: | 1. College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia;2. College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia;3. College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia Centre for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia |
| Abstract: | Flake and shark samples were purchased from outlets in several coastal Australian regions and genetically barcoded using the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) gene to investigate labelling reliability and species-specific sources of ambiguously labelled fillets. Of the 41 shark fillet samples obtained, 23 yielded high-quality CO1 sequences, out of which 57% (n = 13) were labelled ambiguously (misleading) and 35% (n = 8) incorrectly. In contrast, barramundi fillets, which are widely available and sought after in Australian markets, were shown to be accurately labelled. Species identified from shark samples, including the shortfin mako (n = 3) and the scalloped hammerhead (n = 1), are assessed by the IUCN as endangered and critically endangered, respectively, with several others classified as vulnerable and near threatened. |
| Keywords: | CO1 barcoding fisheries flake shark sustainability |