NOAA Fisheries Introduces On-site Forensic Instrument to Battle Seafood Deception in Long Beach
NOAA Fisheries' Rapid DNA Device Uncovers Seafood Fraud at Port of Long Beach
In a significant step towards ensuring the authenticity of seafood imports, NOAA Fisheries' Office of Law Enforcement has completed a second deployment of a rapid polymerase chain reaction (PCR) device in Long Beach, California. This device, which uses DNA fingerprinting to identify species accurately, has been instrumental in uncovering instances of false labeling in imported tuna and shark meat.
The pilot and training operation, which took place in July 2025 at the Port of Long Beach and Los Angeles International Airport, saw officers and agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and NOAA Fisheries inspect, sample, and analyze eight imports of shark and tuna meat. The devices revealed that the imported bigeye, yellow fin, blue fin, albacore, and other tuna species were falsely labeled, while some shark filets were mistakenly labeled as species protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
The enforcement operation provided training for officers and agents on using the device during seafood imports inspections. It also marked a continuation of the president's Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, aiming to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and seafood fraud.
The NOAA's investigative analyst team and forensic science experts from NOAA Fisheries and Florida International University offered operational support during the operation. The data collected during these inspections will help to further investigations to prosecute those involved in seafood fraud and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
The device, initially piloted in Newark, New Jersey in November 2024, has shown an impressive accuracy rate of approximately 93 percent, as confirmed by the NOAA Fisheries' Forensic Laboratory. Since its first pilot test, scientists have streamlined the field testing procedure and increased confidence in the results.
False labeling of seafood is illegal and can undermine the competitiveness of sustainably managed U.S. seafood. By ensuring the accuracy of imported seafood, this innovative technology is helping to protect American consumers, the environment, and the seafood industry.
However, the search results do not provide information on the name of the person who used a device in Long Beach or the agency/institution they lead. This information is crucial for acknowledging the contributions of individuals and organisations in the fight against seafood fraud.
In conclusion, the successful deployment of the rapid PCR device in Long Beach is a significant stride in the battle against seafood fraud. It highlights the importance of collaboration between various agencies and the potential of technology in maintaining the integrity of the seafood supply chain.
