Our fisheries
Saint Paul Rock Lobster
( Jasus paulensis )
A Historic activity since 1949
Fished by our teams in the harsh conditions of the southern seas, this rock lobster has been SAPMER’s historic product since the very beginning.
Renowned for its pure, natural taste and unparalleled texture, this delicacy has won over even the most discerning Japanese gourmet chefs.
Fleet
1 Caseyeur
French flag
Fishing zones
Saint Paul & Amsterdam islands
TAAF
Tide
2 trips per year
Each lasting 60 to 80 days
Certification
MSC certified sustainable fish
Sustainably fished since 2020
A precious treasure from the southern seas
After an incredible journey filled with adventure, Saint Paul Rock Lobster stands apart from traditional lobsters with its firmer, pink-hued flesh and refined taste.
In the kitchen, lobster tails work wonders, thanks to their natural character and exceptional culinary qualities.
The Austral
1 Caseyeur
Size: 76 m
Crew
Approximatively 50 sailors
Fishing zone
3,000 km south of the Reunion Island
Distance
7 days to reach the fishing zone
Fishing methods
Lobster Trap
This fishing method targets only adult lobsters. The trap slats are spaced widely enough to allow juvenile lobsters to escape before the trap is hauled to the surface, ensuring the species can continue to reproduce.
As soon as a trap is retrieved, it is immediately emptied and sorted. Once back on board the Austral, the precious crustaceans are washed, packaged, and frozen directly on the vessel to preserve their exceptional quality.
This traditional trap design, used by fishermen since 1947, has no impact on the environment while being sturdy enough to support sustainable fishing operations.
To protect marine ecosystems, all traps must meet strict specifications, including dimensions, slat spacing, and materials.
Southern rock lobster
A benthic crustacean found in the cold waters around Saint Paul and Amsterdam Islands, this southern rock lobster lives on the seabed, both near the coast and in deeper waters around seamounts. Like other crustaceans, it grows in phases and molts as it matures.
- Characteristics : Males can reach up to 34 cm, while females grow to about 24 cm
- Appearance : A small, bright red lobster with a hardened shell covered in a mix of large and small flattened spines
- Reproduction : Occurs during the austral winter (June–July)
- Regulations : Minimum cephalothorax size of 5.6 cm (as per TAAF regulations)
By-catch
Wreckfish
Bluenose warehou
Striped trumpeter
Hyperoglyphe antarctica
St. Paul’s fingerfin
Latris lineata
Bleu
Acantholatris monodactylus
A marine resource to be preserved
Protecting the resource
Since the very beginning in 1947, our teams have been committed to sustainable fishing in order to protect Saint Paul rock lobster stocks.
Fishing quotas are allocated by the TAAF administration before each campaign around Saint Paul and Amsterdam Islands and are strictly adhered to by our teams.
In 2006, this fishing zone was classified as a Marine Nature Reserve within the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. SAPMER’s fishermen operate in close collaboration with reserve officials, ensuring the preservation of this exceptional ecosystem.
- Regulated Fishery under TAAF Guidelines
- Quotas set based on scientific recommendations from the National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) regarding stock levels
- Fishing season limited to the five months during the austral summer, from December 1st to April 30, outside the spawning period.
Certification
In 2020, SAPMER obtained MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification, recognizing the sustainability of the southern rock lobster fishery around the St. Paul and Amsterdam islands. The MSC ensures sustainable resource management, the ecosystem preservation, and an effective fishery management system.
Our rock lobster products
Rock Lobster tail
Renowned for its natural flavor and exceptional culinary qualities, the lobster tail is a favorite among seafood lovers.
Whole Rock Lobster
This cold-water lobster stands out from other species with its firmer, pink-hued flesh and refined taste, making it a premium choice for gourmet dishes.
