Tracking the provenance of octopus using isotopic and multi-elemental analysis

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Analytical Chemistry
• Fisheries Science

Background:

• Octopus are ecologically and economically significant, but reliable origin authentication methods are absent.
• Ensuring seafood authenticity is crucial for sustainable fisheries management and consumer trust.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of chemical profiling for determining the geographical origin of octopus.
• To establish a scientific basis for octopus provenance tracking on both international and domestic scales.

Main Methods:

• Utilized stable isotope analyses (carbon δ13C, oxygen δ18O) of octopus statoliths via Isotope-Ratio Mass Spectrometry.
• Performed elemental analyses of octopus soft tissues using X-Ray Fluorescence (Itrax).
• Applied multivariate statistical methods to analyze chemical profiles.

Main Results:

• Distinct regional chemical signatures were identified in octopus from Southeast Asia and Southern Australia.
• The combined isotopic and elemental profiling achieved high classification success (approximately 95%) in identifying the region of origin.
• The method proved effective across different octopus species.

Conclusions:

• Isotopic and multi-elemental profiling serve as a robust tool for octopus provenance authentication.
• This technique can enhance transparency and accountability in seafood supply chains.
• The findings contribute to the sustainable management and utilization of octopus resources.