Focus Area
Environmental Conservation
Location
Global
Beneficiaries
Oceana - Consumers, seafood industry workers, public health stakeholders, and marine ecosystems
Safavi's Role
Supporter of transparency-focused advocacy
Key Impact
Supported DNA testing, public reporting, and advocacy efforts that revealed systemic seafood mislabeling and promoted full-chain traceability
Project Overview
Seafood Fraud: Stopping Bait and Switch
Seafood fraud is the practice of mislabeling seafood in order to increase profits—leading to public health risks, consumer deception, and harm to the oceans. Safavi supported Oceana’s efforts to expose and reduce seafood fraud through independent DNA testing, public reporting, and global policy advocacy. The project focused on making seafood supply chains more transparent and accountable by requiring accurate information from boat to plate.
Beneficiary Profile
The initiative benefits a wide spectrum of stakeholders:
Consumers seeking transparency and food safety
Honest seafood suppliers and retailers disadvantaged by fraudulent practices
Local fishermen whose legally caught fish compete with illegally sourced substitutes
Marine ecosystems impacted by unregulated and illegal overfishing
Oceana’s efforts help ensure that the global seafood supply chain upholds integrity, traceability, and sustainability standards—while protecting public health and environmental balance.
Safavi's Role
Safavi provided direct support for Oceana’s research and policy work aimed at exposing seafood fraud and advocating for systemic change. This included:
DNA testing of seafood products from retailers and restaurants
Compilation and dissemination of international studies on seafood mislabeling
Support for policy recommendations to national and international governments
The initiative amplified Oceana’s ability to generate awareness, drive media coverage, and advance regulatory frameworks that require full traceability from catch to consumer.
Project Gallery
Impact Achieved
Thanks to Safavi’s support:
Over 1,200 seafood samples were tested across 21 U.S. states, with 33% found to be mislabeled
A shrimp-focused report revealed that 30% of shrimp samples were misrepresented
A global literature review examined over 100 studies on seafood fraud worldwide
Oceana’s advocacy contributed to the creation of a U.S. federal task force to combat seafood fraud and illegal fishing
Policy campaigns advanced the case for full chain traceability, improving labeling accuracy and legal compliance
Purpose & Signifigance
This initiative reflects Safavi’s belief in transparency, environmental responsibility, and public well-being. By supporting Oceana’s fight against seafood fraud, Safavi helped protect consumers, elevate ethical industry standards, and contribute to the preservation of marine life. The project’s emphasis on traceability directly aligns with Safavi’s commitment to systemic impact and global sustainability.
Future Outlook
Seafood supply chains remain vulnerable to mislabeling and illegal fishing. Oceana continues its campaign for full traceability and stronger regulation, with opportunities for ongoing collaboration. Safavi remains committed to supporting efforts that ensure ethical practices, environmental stewardship, and consumer trust on a global scale.
