MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

South Georgia Patagonian toothfish fishery recertified with flying colors

Chilean Longliner, MV Mar Del Sur III hauling longliner.

Following its five-yearly Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessment, the South Georgia Patagonian toothfish longline fishery has, for the third time, been certified as a sustainable and well-managed fishery, according to the newsletter from the government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands.

The fishery is managed by GSGSSI with scientific advice and support from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Sciences (Cefas).

Dr Mark Belchier of the British Antarctic Survey said: “The MSC re-certification is a strong endorsement of the value of long-term scientific research for underpinning policy and decisions that lead to responsible management of fisheries. The waters around South Georgia are a key source of food for globally important colonies of albatross and petrels.

“Collaboration between BAS/NERC scientists, the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands and fisheries managers to mitigate and reduce seabird mortality in fisheries by-catch is without doubt a hugely important factor in achieving the Marine Stewardship Council’s re-certification. This is very welcome signal of the continued commitment to conservation of marine life in one of the world’s most valued natural ecosystems.”