The Guardian published a story about fraud going on in the seafood industry called “Seafood fraud happening on a vast global scale.” The full article can be linked to below.
“A Guardian Seascape analysis of 44 recent studies of more than 9,000 seafood samples from restaurants, fishmongers and supermarkets in more than 30 countries found that 36% were mis-labelled, exposing seafood fraud on a vast global scale. Many of the studies used relatively new DNA analysis techniques.
In one comparison of sales of fish labelled ‘snapper’ by fishmongers, supermarkets and restaurants in Canada, the US, the UK, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, researchers found mis-labelling in about 40% of fish tested. The UK and Canada had the highest rates of mis-labelling in that study, at 55%, followed by the US at 38%.”
At 36%, more than one in three pieces of fish purchased is mis-identified either intentionally or accidentally. With so many fishes sold using geography as an adjective, the opportunity and necessity to mis-labelling are heightened. The other factors are over-fishing and global warming causing some species to go to colder waters.
Apparently, there is less Cod in Cape Cod these days, but plenty of Dogfish. For some reason, Americans do not like Dogfish, but based on the above, my guess is many are eating it without even knowing it. It is cheaper and available, so a cost conscious chef can do the math and substitute it.
So, be aware that the Chilean Sea Bass is most likely not such, no matter how much you paid for it. How about a nice piece of Flounder?
musingsofanoldfart 
Mislabeling food is a bad thing no matter the justification. I do think that a general fish mash – truthfully labeled – should be fine for people who are not fish snobs, which I hope is most people.
FC, true. I think it relates to charging a mark-up on a pretend Chilean Sea Bass. My wife and I were laughing about how she loves this fish dish, I asked her do you know for sure you love Chilean Sea Bass or the pretend fish? Keith
I wonder if these fishes really are different tasting/feeling when being eaten. With no scientifical evidence, I feel there is an unusually large amount of fish snobbery.
FC, good point. Deep sea scallops have largely been diced up shark meat for as long as I can recall. Keith
Such a sad state of affairs and kudos for you for exposing this and blowing the whistle!~ 💖
I stopped eating Chilean Sea Bass since I heard it was getting extinct but never would I have guesssed igt was gone. Yikes. Thanks Keith. Meat must be coming next. I never want to find out I’m eating cats or dogs. 💖
Cindy, thanks. That would be bad on the meat. We’ve cut back, but do eat some leaner meats. As for fish, it is so good for us, so it is more a tragedy. Keith
Horrible.
True of me as well!
Yea, that’s really true!
Wow. This is disturbing.
Indeed.