Réunion Toothfish

Even though it is not well known in mainland France, the Patagonian toothfish is widely considered to be one of the best fish in the world. Highly prized in China, Japan, and the United States, it is also known as mero in Japan, légine australe, and Chilean seabass. This carnivorous fish can be found southern ocean waters and grow to six feet in length. Because it is a “demersal” species, the toothfish lives near the bottom of the ocean. As they become older, toothfish can descend to 6,500 feet below sea level. The high demand for the fish, which is tender and flavorful, dates back to the 1990s. Poaching developed in response to its high price, and France quickly took measures to prevent illegal fishing. Strict quotas and management methods, developed in collaboration with the Museum of Natural History, were put in place to preserve this highly sought-after resource.  As a result, the fish stocks were able to recover.

In France, which owns the world’s largest Patagonian toothfish fishery, six fishing companies harvest the fish from the glacial waters around the Crozet and Kerguelen Islands in the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF). A TAAF inspector must always be aboard the vessels to verify that the rules, which are reassessed every year, are being followed. Such oversight is even more important given that orcas and sperm whales are also predators of the toothfish and are drawn to the long lines of regularly spaced hooks attached to each fishing vessel. As soon as they are taken from the water, the fish are prepared and frozen to preserve their taste and freshness.