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DNA Barcoding as a Tool to Identify Commercially Marketed Fish

CSEF · 2009 Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology Honorable_mention Award

Tyler H. Taylor · High Tech High, San Diego, San Diego County

Overview

Objectives/Goals Overfishing is a major factor in the decline of fish diversity, and productivity of fisheries worldwide. In order to combat overfishing, DNA barcoding could be utilized to identify mislabeled seafood and enforce fishing restrictions. This experiment was intended to test the feasibility of barcoding using a small-scale lab as a species identification tool. Methods/Materials In this study, DNA was extracted from five generically labeled samples collected in San Diego seafood markets. DNA from each sample was isolated, and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed, in order to amplify the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) section of mitochondrial DNA for sequencing. Results Of the five samples, the CO1 fragment was amplified for three, and two yielded an accurate species ID. Conclusions/Discussion These results demonstrated the possibility of implementing small-scale barcoding operations to expose market substitution and in turn help put an end to overfishing.

Summary statement

This project is intended to test the ability of DNA barcoding using a small-scale lab to identify commercially marketed fish in the context of conservation forensics.

Help received

Used lab equipment at High Tech High under the partial supervision of advisor, Dr. Jay Vavra

Awards (1)

  • Honorable Mention

Competition history

  • CSEF 2009 Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology · Entry S0427

Resources

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