Correct identification of species is critical for scientific, technical, fisheries management, stock assessment, fisheries statistics, enforcement and commercial reasons including issues of market names, trade descriptions, authenticity of origin, product verification, food safety, market access and traceability. These are all interlinked and project proposals should cover the needs of stakeholders at all levels in the chain.
No systematic investigation of the particular needs of each group of stakeholders has been yet done. Firm evidence of their requirements is needed to construct a national strategy that covers all aspects.
Final report
This project was initiated to ascertain the needs for species identification for industry sectors, researchers, managers and regulators and to review these needs against the current and developing technologies for species identification. It was constructed to help FRDC decide its priorities for investment in this area as no surveys had previously been done. It is anticipated this report will provide input to the FRDC R&D plan.
The practical method chosen to survey the needs was a questionnaire. This was E- mailed throughout the length and breadth of the country to relevant companies and institutions. The Australian Seafood Industry Directory was used to provide a comprehensive list of stakeholders. Further E-mails and phone calls were used to chase responses. The appraisal of available technologies for species ID was done by visits to some research establishments as well as through E mails to institutions overseas and searches on the internet.
Just over 250 questionnaires were sent out. Some of these were courtesy copies for information and often multiple copies were sent to different parts of an organisation and consequently one person often responded for several. Fifty five answers were received of which six expressed no need for species ID, thus making a useable total of 49 answers. These came from a wide cross-section of industry from 21 replies – many of which were industry groups representing a whole sector, not merely one company.
The exercise started with general questions to all sectors to ascertain their views on species ID.
Two thirds of respondents said that identification was either critical or highly important to them and half required the information daily. Verification of consignments, compliance with Australian Fish Names Standard and other regulations, truth in label, and fairness to consumers were the main issues listed by industry for species ID. Similar issues were listed by scientists and regulators with addition of stock assessment, population biology, taxonomic studies, ecology, predator-prey relationships, biosecurity, larval fish biology, import –export issues and food safety.
import –export issues and food safety.
Over half the industry required the results to be capable of standing up in court whereas the majority of government and research had this as a requirement. There was equal support for a rapid test that could be used in the field. All the groups listed particular species where work was needed.
Further detailed questions were directed to each sector:- Industry; Food regulators, Food safety, Fair trading; Fisheries managers; Research agencies and research and technology providers; Museums and collections; Recreational fisheries organisations – to find their different needs and requirements.
Overall there was much detailed evidence of the need for continued effort in the identification of species to meet a whole range of requirements.
