Cross-contamination of epidermal mucus was assessed at three sampling locations on the bodies of Pacific halibut Hippoglossus stenolepis by inducing contact between fish coated with labelled synthetic mucus and non-treated fish. Results indicate a positive relationship between sampling site exposure and sample contamination and that mucous sample cross-contamination can be mitigated by sampling in a location protected from external contact.
Keywords: Hippoglossus stenolepis; Pacific halibut; cross-contamination; epidermal mucus.
© 2019 The Fisheries Society of the British Isles.