MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Sustainability award for South Georgia Toothfish fishery

The Government of South Georgia has received international recognition for its sustainable management of the marine environment.

The Marine Stewardship Council has certified the South Georgia toothfish fishery, commending the Government's achievements in conserving the valuable stock and in protecting the related ecosystem.

Bill Rammell, Foreign Office Minister with responsibility for the Overseas Territories said :

'I congratulate the South Georgia Fishery on its achievement. They have struck a good balance between meeting the requirements of the fishing industry and responsibly managing the South Georgia marine ecosystem.'

Illegal fishing, a significant problem in many toothfish fisheries of the Southern Ocean, has been virtually eliminated in the South Georgia fishery thanks to the South Georgia Government's tough enforcement policy. The strict management of the fishery also ensures a minimal impact on other creatures, such as albatross, that live and breed on South Georgia and in its waters".

The certification process was carried out over a four-year period with assessments by three separate teams of fisheries and environmental experts.

Source: FCO.