NOS Marine Forensics Program
 | This article's tone or style may not reflect the encyclopedic tone used on Wikipedia. (May 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) |
The NOS Marine Forensics Program is the only laboratory in the U.S. dedicated to the forensic analysis of marine species.
The group's mission began in the 1970s when the United States Congress passed a series of acts that protect fisheries, marine mammals, and endangered species.[1] The problem then arose of how to enforce these new laws. Without the fins, scales, and heads attached, it was impossible for the agents of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) [2] to tell if the samples they came across were from regulated species.[3]
Today, the Marine Forensics Program is called upon to analyze evidence in 85 percent of NOAA fisheries' cases when scientific analysis is needed. Here are some examples:
- Sea turtles and whales are still slaughtered today for food, cosmetic, medicinal, and decorative use despite many laws that aim to prohibit this activity. The NOS team analyzes DNA samples to identify the species and even trace evidence such as blood stains on a boat deck.
- Shark fins are valuable for shark fin soup. While shark finning[4][5] is illegal in the U.S., this practice still continues abroad. Using DNA, scientists can determine what species of shark was finned, helping to enforce laws designed to protect fisheries' resources.
- False labeling of imported species harms consumers and the domestic fishermen who strive to collect high-quality seafood. Marine forensic analysts use DNA analysis to identify fish fillet samples to determine if they are incorrectly labeled or if they are from a protected species.
Most of the lab's work involves using DNA sequencing to identify the exact species of a suspect sample of fish or meat provided by NOAA law enforcement agents. Sample quality can range from freshly frozen fish fillets to pieces of bone. The lab maintains samples from hundreds of marine species, totaling more than 10,000 samples, as standards to compare with evidence.
NOAA's marine forensic scientists also participate in many national meetings to share their expertise with other agencies and federal prosecutors. Successful prosecutions of those who violate federal wildlife laws[6] help to prevent further decline of valuable wildlife resources.
References[edit]
- ↑ "NOAA 200th Top Tens: Historical Events: 1970s Conservation and Stewardship Legislation". Celebrating200years.noaa.gov. 2012-07-19. Retrieved 2013-12-27.
- ↑ "NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Organization".
- ↑ "NOAA - FishWatch: Combating Seafood Fraud". Fishwatch.gov. 2013-05-28. Retrieved 2013-12-27.
- ↑ "Shark Finning : Humane Society International". Hsi.org. Retrieved 2013-12-27.
- ↑ "Stop Shark Finning". Stop Shark Finning. Retrieved 2013-12-27.
- ↑ "USDOJ: Environment and Natural Resources Division : Prosecution of Federal Wildlife Crimes". Justice.gov. Retrieved 2013-12-27.
This article "NOS Marine Forensics Program" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
