SYRACUSE -- Oceana, an international ocean conservation group tested fish from 674 retails outlets across the country and found 1/3 is mislabeled.
Thomas Farmer, who's been selling fish at Fins and Tails for decades knows first hand, it's a tricky business.
"Fish is still a wild animal so there are all kinds of issues dealing with fish that you don't have with any other protein source," says Farmer.
To make sure you get what you paid for, Farmer says know the person who's selling you your fish and ask them questions.
"You're supposed to know where your fish came from, it's part of the process. So if they don't know where it comes from that would also send up a red flag," says Farmer.
Another tip is to buy your fish with the skin on because it's usually a good indicator you're getting the real thing.
A common mislabeling is representing farm raised salmon as wild salmon since purveyors can get more money for wild salmon since it's considered to be more nutritious and environmentally friendly. But a good indicator is the fact that there is a specific season for wild salmon. Its from April to September. So if you're buying wild salmon in December that's a red flag.
Farmer says mislabeling is almost part of the business because there are so many different names for fish depending on where it's being sold.
"You get mahi mahi in Hawaii and that's what they call it but you get it in North Carolina and they call it dolphin," says Farmer.
To be sure the fish on your dinner plate is fresh ask the person behind the counter where it came from. If the price seems fishy or too good to be true, then it probably is.
