Unit of certification
The unit of certification is the unit that is assessed by certifiers against the MSC environmental standard. It is defined as the fishery or fish stock (a biologically distinct unit) combined with the fishing method/gear and practice (the vessel/s) pursuing that stock. This is set at the beginning of the assessment.
The fishery: Unit of certification
The certified South Georgia Patagonian Toothfish Longline Fishery is defined as:
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Species |
Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) |
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Geographical range of fishing operations |
Patagonian toothfish are found in deep water, in the range 200 – 2000m, but the fishery tends to concentrate in waters less than 1500 m. The fishery falls within CCAMLR sub-area 48.3. Those parts of the GSGSSI Maritime Zone which fall within other CCAMLR sub-areas (48.2; 48.4, including the South Sandwich Islands) are NOT considered as part of the fishery proposed for certification. |
|
Method of capture |
Bottom set longlines only. Although small amounts of toothfish are also taken in an experimental pot fishery, this is not subject to certification. All landings are, however, set against the TAC. |
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Management |
Directed ultimately by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) which develops fisheries management systems for all Southern Ocean waters. Within the Maritime Zone, management is implemented by the GSGSSI. As an Overseas Territory of the UK, international relations relating to SGSSI are the responsibility of the UK Government and are dealt with through the Polar Regions Section of the Overseas Territories, of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK (FCO). In particular, the FCO is the competent UK Authority on CCAMLR matters, including representing the interests of the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. |
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Client group |
Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) |
