Meet the fishers

Meet the Australia mackerel icefish fishers

The Australian mackerel icefish fishery was certified as meeting the MSC's sustainability standards in April 2006 when it became the first Australian finfish to achieve sustainable certification.

The icefish is native to Antarctic waters of an average temperature of 2 degrees Celsius (your fridge is about 4 degrees Celsius). The icefish thrives in the cold and relies on the production of a unique chemical that works like anti-freeze to survive in the freezing waters. The icefish is also widely known for the absence of red blood cells. Many consider this pale looking fish a delicacy with an appearance similar to that of whiting.

'We are delighted to be measured against the rigorous, internationally recognised MSC Standard to validate our sustainable fishery and its good management.'

David Carter
CEO, Austral Fisheries Pty Ltd

“At a time when the world’s fisheries are coming under increasing pressure from overfishing, the icefish fishery is a leading example of how fisheries can be sustainably managed.”

Greg Bourne
CEO, WWF-Australia