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Chilean Seabass.
© Regulatory Fish Encyclopedia, FDA 1993-1999 |
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Species or Group:
Chilean Seabass(= Patagonian Toothfish)
Notes:
There is no such thing as a "Chilean Seabass" — it's used as a market pseudonym. A denizen of the cold and deep, this species is found around sub-Antarctic waters. The Patagonian toothfish can grow to more than six feet long and up to 100 pounds. It's a slow-growing, long-lived species, maturing at 10 or 12 years, and can live up to 50 years.
Status:
Extremely poor. Catches have declined in the last few years, and the fish landed are smaller and smaller — both signs of a population in trouble. Scientists say the population of Patagonian toothfish is near collapse, and they predict commercial extinction before 2005.
Management Adequacy:
Poor to nonexistent. The Patagonian toothfish fishery is managed by countries who are party to the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), but they have little ability or authority to properly manage. Although they have set quotas for the fish since 1996, this is a pirate fishery: more than half the fish caught are taken illegally.
By-Kill and other Considerations:
High by-kill of albatross, which get hooked and drown when diving for the bait on the many, many miles of longlines.
Overall Recommendation:
Blaring RED.
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