Top French Southern Territories Fish Catches

The French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Terres australes et antarctiques françaises, or TAAF) are renowned for their highly regulated and sustainable fishing industry, primarily centered around the remote sub-Antarctic islands such as Kerguelen and Crozet. The top fish catch in these waters is the Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides), a valuable species sought after for its firm, white flesh and often marketed as "Chilean sea bass." Other notable catches include mackerel icefish and various species of deep-sea crab. The fishing industry in the French Southern Territories began in earnest in the late 20th century, with France implementing strict quotas, surveillance, and licensing to combat illegal fishing and protect fragile marine ecosystems. Today, the region is recognized for its sustainable management practices, with catches certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), making it a model for responsible fisheries in the Southern Ocean.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.