Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) and Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) are targeted by licensed fisheries in the Southern Ocean, using mainly bottom-set longlines in depths of 1 200–1 800 m. These species may also be caught by trawl and pot. Both species of toothfish are sought after in restaurants and high-end markets worldwide. The highly prized fish, sometimes referred to as ‘white gold’, have also caught the attention of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing vessels.

There are 13 licensed fisheries currently targeting toothfish in Areas 48, 58 and 88, including seven exploratory fisheries. These fisheries are reviewed annually by CCAMLR's Working Group on Fish Stock Assessment (WG-FSA) and the Scientific Committee. The Commission’s agreed limits for the current fishing season are defined in the Conservation Measures.

Area	Type of fishery	Target species	Catch limit (tonnes)	Conservation Measure	Fishery Report
Subarea 48.3	Established	Dissostichus eleginoides	2600	Conservation Measure 41-02	(1.2 MB)
Subarea 48.4	Research fishing	Dissostichus spp.	115	Conservation Measure 41-03	(1002.46 KB)
Subarea 48.6	Exploratory	Dissostichus spp.	400	Conservation Measure 41-04	(182.64 KB)
Division 58.4.1	Exploratory	Dissostichus spp.	210	Conservation Measure 41-11	(270.95 KB)
Division 58.4.2	Exploratory	Dissostichus spp.	70	Conservation Measure 41-05	(239.99 KB)
Division 58.4.3a	Exploratory	Dissostichus spp.	32	Conservation Measure 41-06	(201.95 KB)
Division 58.4.3b	Exploratory	Dissostichus spp.	research only	Conservation Measure 41-07	(325.25 KB)
Division 58.5.1*	Established	Dissostichus eleginoides	5100	n/a	(185.48 KB)
Division 58.5.2	Established	Dissostichus eleginoides	2730	Conservation Measure 41-08	(374.53 KB)
Subarea 58.6*	Established	Dissostichus eleginoides	700	n/a	(99.24 KB)
Subareas 58.6 and 58.7**	Established	Dissostichus eleginoides	320	n/a	(156.09 KB)
Subarea 88.1	Exploratory	Dissostichus spp.	3282	Conservation Measure 41-09	(803.08 KB)
Subarea 88.2	Exploratory	Dissostichus spp.	530	Conservation Measure 41-10	(803.08 KB)

* in waters under French jurisdiction;
** in waters under South African jurisdiction

Catch history