Our fisheries
Patagonian toothfish
( Dissostichus eleginoides )
Leading activity since 1980
Our teams bravely endure the harsh conditions of the freezing waters around Kerguelen and Crozet to bring back the finest catch: Patagonian toothfish, the “white gold” of the French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF).
This deep-sea fish thrives in the icy depths of the TAAF waters and is caught under extreme conditions, demanding immense effort from SAPMER’s dedicated fishermen.
Rare and precious, highly sought after by gourmet chefs, this exceptional delicacy offers an unparalleled and surprising gastronomic experience.
Fleet
4 longliners
French flag vessels
Fishing zone
Kerguelen & Crozet islands
TAAF
Marée
4 trips per year
Each lasting 60 to 75 days
Certification
MSC certified sustainable fishery
2013 Kerguelen – 2017 Crozet
A historic product and a great pride
Patagonian toothfish is the result of a challenging and rigorous fishery. Réunionese fishermen were the first Frenchmen to attempt this demanding fishing practice, and today, they continue the pioneering legacy with passion and determination.
This exceptional fish is a true delicacy that guarantees an extraordinary culinary experience.
Due to its rarity and exceptional quality, it is highly prized by Asia’s and North America’s most renowned fine-dining establishments, where it is crafted into gourmet dishes
Our fleet
4 longliners
Size: 55 m
Crew
Approximately 32 sailors per vessel
Fishing zone
3,000 km south of Reunion’s coastline
Distance
7 days to reach the fishing zone
Albius
Cap Horn
Ile Bourbon
Mascareignes III
Fishing methods
Longline fishing
To ensure the sustainability of marine resources, numerous measures have been implemented to protect the ecosystems where our fishery operates.
Since 2002, the only authorized technique for this fishery is bottom longlining, a more selective and environmentally friendly method that respects the seabed.
Our vessels operate long lines at depths ranging from 500 to 2,000 meters. Fishing is always conducted at night to minimize interactions with endangered, threatened, or protected species, such as seabirds.
The retrieval process takes place in an open deck area on the side of the vessel, where two crew members equipped with gaffs help lift the heaviest fish onboard.
Patagonian toothfish
This species is demersal, meaning it lives near the seafloor. As they grow, they migrate deeper along the slopes of the underwater plateaus. Adults primarily inhabit the deepest waters, ranging from a few hundred meters to over 2,000 meters.
- Characteristics : Can grow up to 2 meters and weigh over 80 kg
- Appearance : Brownish-grey fusiform body, broad head, and strong jaw
- Reproduction : Occurs during the austral winter (June–July)
- Regulations : Minimum catch size: 60 cm (as per TAAF regulations)
By-catch
Abyssal grenadier
Macrourus Carinatus
A marine resource to be preserved
Resource Protection
This historic fishery is also an exclusive activity, as SAPMER is one of the few companies worldwide authorized to catch toothfish in the TAAF. Fishing is strictly regulated and subject to highly restrictive quotas, ensuring optimal management of this rare and prized resource.
TAAF inspectors are present on board SAPMER’s longliners during every fishing campaign to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Regulated Fishery under TAAF guidelines
- Quotas set based on scientific recommendations from the MNHM regarding stock levels.
- Fishing starts at 500m depth to avoid catching juvenile toothfish
Certification
SAPMER obtained MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification in 2013 guarantying the sustainability of the Patagonian toothfish fishery around the Kerguelen Islands, and in 2017 for the Crozet fishery. MSC certification ensures the preservation of the resource, preservation of marine ecosystems and an efficient fishery management system.
Products from our toothfish
