Fishing Season has begun

Despite its reputation as probably the most formidable of seas on the Planet, the Southern Ocean hosts a valuable fishing industry, and is fished by vessels from many countries throughout the world.  The government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich islands are responsible for the management of fisheries in two defined areas of the Southern Ocean.  The first being South Georgia, otherwise known as Sub-area 48.3 and the South Sandwich Islands, or Sub-area 48.4.  Vessels who wish to fish these areas must apply for a license to do so, and the number of licenses issued is based on the quota for the year.  The quota is a joint effort between CCAMLR (Convention for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) and the South Georgia Government, and is based on scientific data relating to the abundance of target species in the area.  It is a principal reason for the base here at KEP as our scientists assist in the study and management of the South Atlantic Ocean.  In addition the vessels themselves must operate within strict standards and prove that they are doing so.  Before the vessel begins her season in South Georgia waters she must first present herself here at KEP for a thorough inspection.  The inspection will look at the safety equipment aboard, scrutinise the fishing equipment to ensure correct specification, and ensure that by-catch mitigation measures are in place to reduce as far as practicable the killing of sea birds and other marine life.  The season is beginning now and 6 vessels in total will begin longlining for Patagonian Toothfish.  Toothfish is very sought after and is marketed all over the world.  It is the case that toothfish have been overfished worldwide, however South Georgia is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council as sustainable due to the stringent management in place, and measureable stocks.  The vessels will deploy a line (or long line) weighted at both ends which has attached to it numerous hooks and lures.  The line is laid and buoyed and left to "soak".  Then the vessel will return and haul the line hoping to find an abundance of Toothfish.  The fish will be gutted and filleted on board and will then be trans-shipped, usually in the falklands, to ships which transfer the catch to market abroad.

Departing the cove on a flat calm evening bound for the ARGOS GEORGIA waiting offshore.

Coming away from the Long Liner ARGOS GEORGIA after boarding Robert and Kieron to carry out the inspection.