CHILEAN SEABASS OR PATAGONIAN TOOTFISH

BIOLOGY Toothfish is a deep sea species found throughout large areas of the sub-Antarctic Ocean, but primarily in the Southern Ocean. It is a slow-growing fish living in depths from 300 to 3,500 m. It does not breed until it is 10-12 years old. At this stage it is about 70 cm long. Can reach 50 years of age and a length of 220cm. Chilean seabass spawn from June to September. ADVICE Chilean seabass is vulnerable to overfishing as it is large, slow-growing, late-maturing and has low reproductive capacity. It is also threatened by illegal fishing. In 2001, it was estimated that 50% of toothfish traded internationally was caught illegally, these illegal fisheries are also a threat to seabird populations, particularly albatross. Of the 21 species of albatross 19 are threatened with extinction largely because of longlining. See www.savethealbatross.net for more information. However fishery around South Georgia (FAO 48) was certified as an environmentally responsible fishery by the Marine Stewardship Council in March 2004. MSC certified chilean seabass has a MCS rating of 3. Avoid eating this species from all other fisheries.