Aquaculture

Chilean Sea Bass Welfare and Sustainable Harvesting

Welfare and sustainability considerations for Patagonian toothfish in global seafood markets.

Key Facts

Chilean sea bass is Patagonian toothfish — a deep-water Patagonian species
IUU fishing historically caused severe population depletion
MSC certification now covers significant portions of the catch
These long-lived fish (50+ years) have distinct welfare needs from shorter-lived species

Welfare Considerations

Chilean sea bass welfare in capture fisheries involves long-line bycatch mortality, handling stress, and depth pressure changes on retrieval. Welfare-informed fishing uses less traumatic retrieval methods, minimises bycatch, and avoids fishing in sensitive seasonal periods. MSC-certified fisheries have improved practices significantly since IUU fishery peaks.

What You Can Do

Choose MSC-certified Chilean sea bass to support better practice
Ask retailers about their seafood sourcing commitments
Support IUU fishing enforcement through organisations combating illegal fishing globally