Quotas revised downwards to preserve stocks

Since 2000, toothfish fishing quotas in the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF) have ranged between 5,800 and 6,500 tonnes per year, distributed mainly around the Kerguelen and Crozet Islands, located south of Réunion.

Recently, the TAAF prefecture set a new annual quota of 4,780 tonnes for toothfish, valid until 2028. This level is the lowest ever recorded. This decision follows the recommendations of the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN). According to scientists, the number of juvenile fish joining adult stocks has declined sharply since the early 2020s. This significant decline in stocks justifies the quota reduction.

For 2024, the authorized catch will be reduced by 500 tons. In 2025, a further reduction of 830 tons is planned, which corresponds to the annual capacity of a vessel. The five Réunion-based fishing companies specializing in toothfish fishing are concerned.

Laurent Virapoullé, Managing Director of Pêche Avenir, acknowledges: “I thought the restrictions would ease, but not this much.” According to the authorities, “this reduction in quotas risks weighing heavily on local economic activity.” Fishermen will have to adapt to these new rules to ensure the preservation of the resource and the sustainability of their profession.