US ports are set to pilot a new Covid-like rapid test to combat illegal trafficking of endangered fish species in seafood imports.
The NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement has announced that it has begun testing a new PCR device that allows officers to quickly perform genetic analysis in the field. This technology helps combat illegal seafood trade, as it’s illegal under U.S. law to falsely label imported products.
NOAA plans to pilot the device at major ports of entry in 2025.
In addition, the device, which was developed by Florida International University, uses genetic markers, similar to those used in COVID-19 tests, to detect over 100 fish species, including tuna, shark, and eel. More markers will be added in the future.
Furthermore unlike traditional lab testing, which can take weeks, the device provides results in hours, reducing the number of samples sent to NOAA’s labs.
In November 2024, NOAA tested the device during an operation at the Port of Newark, New Jersey, targeting seafood fraud and trafficking.
The operation led to the identification of over 27 tons of illegally harvested fish and the seizure of more than 40 tons of trafficked fish from Asia and South America.
