The Antarctic horsefish, also known as Antarctic icefish (Champsocephalus gunnari), is a cold-water species found primarily in the Southern Ocean, particularly around sub-Antarctic islands such as South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, and the Kerguelen Islands. This species is notable for its antifreeze glycoproteins, which allow it to survive in frigid Antarctic waters. The Antarctic horsefish is targeted mainly for its white, mild-flavored flesh, and is harvested primarily by industrial trawl fisheries. The leading countries involved in the commercial fishing of Antarctic horsefish are Russia, South Korea, and Ukraine, with some participation from Chile and Spain. These nations operate under strict regulations set by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to prevent overfishing and ensure sustainable management of the species, given its ecological importance and slow reproductive rate.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.