Species-specific TaqMan probes for simultaneous identification of (Gadus morhua L.), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus L.) and whiting (Merlangius merlangus L.)

We report the development of a multiplex, single tube (TaqMan) PCR assay for the identification of three commercially important gadoid species, the cod (Gadus morhua L.), the haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus L.) and the whiting (Merlangius merlangus L.). The assay unambiguously identifies known adult tissue samples, and ethanol-preserved eggs from all three species with greater than 98% accuracy, providing a powerful tool for the development of catch independent stock assessment methods, mapping of spawning sites and the detection of commercial fraud in the fishing-and food production industries.