- Certifier :
- LRQA (Seafood) Limited
- Certified status :
- Certified
- Certified since :
- 16 Nov 2010
- Certificate expires :
- 12 Jul 2026
Overview
Fisheries are composed of one or more parts, each of which is entitled to receive an MSC certificate. These parts or “units” are defined by their target stock(s), fishing gear type(s) and if relevant vessel type(s), and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels.
When the term “Unit of Certification” is used for fishing units that are in assessment, it refers to the “Unit of Assessment” or “Unit of potential certification”. Expand a status below to view the parts that form this fishery. To check the detailed scope, download the latest certificate or open the Assessments page to get the latest report. Find out more by visiting our page on Fisheries
Catch by Species
| Species | Reported Catch Year | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) | 2023 | 1,647.8 |
Information is provided by an independent Conformity Assessment Body as live weight (the weight of species at the time of catch, before processing) and where a fishing season covers multiple years, the end year is given as the reported catch year. Additional information is available in the latest report, see the assessments page.
About this Fishery
The Ross Sea toothfish fishery operates near Antarctica in the Southern Ocean. It opened in 1996 and has been managed, from the outset, as an exploratory fishery.
This categorisation ensures that biological data is provided by each fishing vessel and that a precautionary total allowable catch is set. Stock assessments are carried out annually and current assessments estimate the stock levels at approximately 80% of the original biomass.
The fishery has mandatory 100% observation of fishing activities and strict requirements to avoid the incidental bycatch of seabirds. The fishery is also contributing to the process of identifying potential Marine Protected Areas.
Gear use is regulated and only bottom set longlines are permitted. Much of the bait used is squid and mackerel from fisheries on assessed and managed stocks in New Zealand.
Market Information
Main markets are currently in USA, Asia and Europe.