Ross Sea toothfish longline

MSC status

Certified as sustainable in November 2010

Summary

Species:  Toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni)
Location:  Ross Sea (CCAMLR Subareas 88.1 and 88.2)
Fishing methods:  Longline
Vessels: 7
Number of fisheries: 1

More about toothfish

Toothfish are slow growing and long lived with a maximum length of over 2 metres and maximum age of 24 years. They feed in depths of 1,000 – 1,500m, where they gain weight before moving north onto the Pacific-Antarctic ridge to start the cycle again. Females mature at or in excess of ten years, at a length of roughly 90-100 cm, while males mature at a somewhat smaller size and younger age.

More about the fishing methods

Gear use is regulated and only bottom set longlines are permitted. Much of the bait used is squid and
mackerel from directed fisheries on assessed and managed stocks in New Zealand.

Commercial market

USA and Asia.

Actual eligibility date

28th January 2009.