Tony Lepage

The Patagonian Toothfish is the perfect example of how consumers are ultimately responsible for the depletion of fish stocks regardless of their international recognition as threatened or endangered. Commonly sold in North America as the “Chilean Sea Bass,” the species is usually illegally harvested and its stocks are threatened. The fish matures at ten to twelve years of age and commercial fishing of the species started in the early 90s. Less than twenty years later and the fish are endangered. It’s estimated that it’ll be commercially extinct in less than three years.

Fishing of the toothfish actually threatens other endangered species as well. The fishing lines pull under petrels and albatrosses and the Elephant seal’s diet consists of 98% toothfish.

Although the Canadian government is refusing to recognize international agreements for conservation, it is ultimately up to the consumer to make smarter decisions. I was happy to see local retailers recognizing the need for conservation.

But my delight was snubbed as I walked 5 steps to the next retailer.

This does wonders in convincing me that consumers are not ignorant hos.

The Patagonian Toothfish goes under many names, including: Australian Sea Bass, Antarctic Sea Bass, Black hake, Chilean Sea Bass, Chilean grouper, Mero - in Japan - and Bacalao de profundidad or Merluza negra in Chile.

Further Reading:

• WWF – Last Chance Saloon?
• Wikipedia: Patagonian toothfish
• Satellites Identify Albatross Danger Zones