Study reveals high rates of seafood mislabeling and ambiguous market names in Calgary, Alberta, highlighting species of conservation concern

A new peer-reviewed study published in PeerJ Life and Environment has uncovered alarming levels of seafood mislabeling and the use of ambiguous market names in Calgary's seafood market, often concealing species of conservation concern. This research marks the first Canadian study to investigate both invertebrate and finfish mislabeling and the implications of unclear market names.

The study, titled "Mislabeled and Ambiguous Market Names in Invertebrate and Finfish Seafood Conceal Species of Conservation Concern in Calgary, Alberta, Canada", analyzed 109 invertebrate and 347 finfish products sold between 2014 and 2020. Researchers found that approximately one in five seafood products was mislabeled, with mislabeling rates at 20.2% for invertebrates and 21.3% for finfish. Furthermore, species substitutions included endangered species such as European eel (Anguilla anguilla) being sold as freshwater eel (Anguilla rostrata), and cuttlefish products identified as the endangered threadfin porgy (Evynnis cardinalis).

"We would never buy something called a mammal sandwich or a bird salad, yet we seem content to buy products with the ambiguous names of rockfish, tuna or cod. Our work has shown that such ambiguity in product names does not prevent mislabeling (you would think it would, if one product name could apply to ten different species), and, even worse, it hides species of conservation concern. When we buy seafood products that are not clearly labeled to species, we run the risk of eating creatures that we should be protecting."  Said Assoc. Prof. Matthew R.J. Morris, Ambrose University. 

In addition to product substitution, the study highlights the role of legally ambiguous market names—common labels that can apply to multiple species, further complicating efforts to ensure sustainable fisheries. These ambiguous names were strongly linked to the sale of species at risk, emphasizing the need for clear, precise labeling to better protect vulnerable marine populations.

Key Findings:

• Seafood mislabeling rates were high, with 20.2% of invertebrates and 21.3% of finfish being mislabeled.
• Product substitutions sometimes involved endangered species, including European eel and threadfin porgy.
• Ambiguous market names were found to be a significant predictor of the sale of species of conservation concern.
• More precise market names could better support sustainable fisheries and protect endangered species.

The authors argue that while preventing mislabeling is crucial, eliminating the use of ambiguous market names is an even more pressing issue for protecting vulnerable species. With advancements in DNA-based identification, the study suggests that clearer labeling standards are within reach and necessary to empower consumers to make more informed and sustainable choices.

As conservation becomes an increasing priority, this study calls for regulatory changes and encourages consumers to be vigilant about the seafood products they purchase, urging them to "vote with their wallets" and demand transparency in market names.