Concerned that Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing for toothfish in the Convention Area threatens to deplete toothfish populations and to ensure vessels flagged to Members fishing for toothfish in the Convention Area comply with conservation measures, CCAMLR implements a Catch Documentation Scheme (CDS) for toothfish species (Dissostichus spp.).

Toothfish is marketed with a variety of names, including bacalao de produndidad (Chile), butterfish (Mauritius), Chilean sea bass (the United States and Canada), merluza negra (Argentina), mero (Japan) and ròbalo (Spain).

The CDS was implemented in 2000 and is a web-based system (e-CDS) that tracks toothfish from the point of landing throughout the trade cycle. For all Members, the CDS is required to be used for the landing and/or trade of all toothfish whether caught inside or outside the Convention Area.

CDS Contact Officers

CDS Contact Officers may be appointed by Members and Cooperating States.  They are authorised to use the e-CDS to issue, complete and validate CDS documentation that must accompany toothfish throughout the trade cycle.

Non-Contracting Parties

Non-Contracting Parties (NCPs) possibly involved in the harvest, landing and/or trade of toothfish are encouraged to become a Contracting Party or to attain the status of a non-Contracting Party cooperating with CCAMLR by participating in the CDS. Currently one NCP, the Seychelles, has the status of a non-Contracting Party cooperating with CCAMLR by participating in the CDS.