Patagonian Toothfish Quota Slashed: French Southern Islands Fishery Faces Crisis
FRANCE Tuesday, December 09, 2025, 08:00 (GMT + 9)
The lucrative Patagonian toothfish or Chilean sea bass (Dissostichus eleginoides) fishery in the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF) is reeling from a significant reduction in its catch quota, raising serious concerns among the five authorized fishing companies. This decision, based on scientific advice indicating a need for greater conservation, marks a major challenge for the profitability of the highly regulated fleet operating around the Crozet and Kerguelen islands. TAC Plunges by Over 20% On July 18, the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Patagonian toothfish in the Crozet and Kerguelen Exclusive Economic Zones was set at 4,780 tonnes per year. This represents a substantial drop from the 6,000 tonnes authorized ten years ago, an over 20% cut. This sharp decline was anticipated, but the severity has shocked the industry. "The decrease in the TAC for Pat... FULL STORY
