Antarctic Toothfish: Quick Facts
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Scientific name: Dissostichus mawsoni
Other names: Chilean sea bass (USA), Légine australe (France), Austromerluza negra (Spain)
Ranking: E (Red - Avoid)
Best Fish Guide: Antarctic Toothfish
Ranking: E (Red - Worst Choice)
Alternative choice: Trevally or Tarakihi
Description: Antarctic toothfish is found throughout the southern ocean adjacent to Antarctica south of 600 Sth. This is an important predator of the Southern Ocean which is also important in the diet of orca and seals. It is caught by longline fishing. New Zealand longline vessels mainly operate in the Ross Sea region. Ross Sea toothfish fisheries are certified as sustainable under the international Marine Stewardship Council scheme, but it still has significant ecological impacts. The fisheries are management by the Commission on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) as exploratory fisheries.
Ecological concerns: The bycatch of sharks and rays and impact of longlining on vulnerable marine ecosystems. Also of concern is the removal of a large predator in the Ross Sea which is also the prey of a number of marine mammal species. Also of concern is the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing that has occurred in waters controlled by CCAMLR. There is also a proposal for a large marine reserve in the Ross Sea. Plus there is the absence of an operational management plan.
Economic value: Exported primarily to USA, Japan, China at $18m in 2010.
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (Score A)
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C)
Impact of fishing method and protected, threatened and endangered species captures (score D and D)
Management and management unit (score C and C)
For a full ecological assessment, click here
