DNA Test Tracks 'Imposter' Sea Bass

CLEMSON, S.C. — U.S. researchers say some certified Chilean sea bass sold in stores are not from fishing grounds certified as sustainable and some aren't even Chilean sea bass.

A Clemson University biologist says DNA from fish purchased at retail outlets in eight states shows 8 percent of fish sampled were "actually other species," and 15 percent had DNA variants not known from the South Georgia/Shag Rocks population, which is the only certified Chilean sea bass fishery.

The fishery is in the South Ocean between Antarctica and the southern tip of South America.

The findings raise questions about the integrity of the "chain of custody" for retail fish certified to be from sustainable fisheries , the researchers said.

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