NOAA Device IDs 100+ Fish Species, Stops 40 Tons Illegal Seafood

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NOAA's new pocket-sized device catches illegal seafood in hours instead of weeks, nabbing 40 tons of fishy imports in its first test.

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The rapid PCR technology works like a COVID test but for fish, checking DNA to spot mislabeled tuna, shark, and eel among 100+ species.

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At Newark port's week-long sting, officials caught 27+ tons of illegally harvested fish that smugglers tried sneaking past inspections.

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We want sustainable, legal commerce while stopping illegal trade," says NOAA's Bryan Landry about the tech that's changing the game.

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Florida International University researchers developed the tool, aiming to make genetic testing standard practice in dockside inspections.

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Visual inspection fails to catch seafood fraud, but this device's genetic markers reveal the truth about what's really in those shipping containers.

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Multiple agencies joined forces for the operation, with Europol sharing intel for parallel busts happening in France, Spain, and Portugal.

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NOAA plans to deploy these fish fraud detectors at major ports nationwide throughout 2025, expanding their reach against seafood criminals.

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