Macquarie Island Toothfish Fishery

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The Patagonian Toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) is one of the largest fish to be harvested in the Antarctic oceans. Names that it is also known by, whether it be market names or nicknames include, “Chilean Sea Bass,” “Mero,” “Black Hake,” “Negra,” “Antarctic Cod,” and “Icefish.” In the market world, the United States refer to the fish as “Chilean Sea Bass” and it is known as “Mero” in Japan. Its flaky skin is a known delicacy in Japan. It is also known as “Negra” in Chile and Argentina. The fish is sold in Japan for high prices and is sold in Chile and Argentina for very cheap prices. Annually 3,260 metric tons of the 3,360 metric tons caught in Australian waters is currently being sold overseas. It is mainly sold to the United States and Japan. This fish can live up to fifty years with weight ranging from twenty to over four hundred pounds and around seven feet in length. The commercial weight averages around twenty pounds. They live in depths of 3,500 meters and range from southern Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Indian Ocean, Southern Oceans and off of most sub-Antarctic islands. Maturity age ranges from ten to twelve years and live a periodic reproduction lifestyle. They are also an opportunistic feeder and largely feed on squid, fish, and prawns. They are eaten by Sperm Whales, Southern Elephant Seals and Colossal Squid. Globally, almost 80% of the toothfish species sold on the world market is illegal. Australian fisheries are some of the largest legal fisheries around the world. Macquarie Island Toothfish Fishery: located off of Tasmania, began in 1994 when the fishery was granted with its permit. It is an aquaculture fishery harvesting for commercial fishing. It is a high valued fishery as well as a well demanded fishery. There are three main vessels that harvest in the Macquarie Island Fishery alone for this specific species. The vessels are equipped

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