The South Georgia icefish (Pseudochaenichthys georgianus) is a cold-water species found primarily around the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia in the Southern Ocean. Distinguished by its lack of hemoglobin, giving it a pale, almost translucent appearance, this species is adapted to the frigid, oxygen-rich waters of the region. The South Georgia icefish is targeted mainly for its white flesh, which is prized in some international markets. The primary countries involved in the commercial harvesting of South Georgia icefish are the United Kingdom (as the administering authority for South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands), Russia, and Ukraine. These countries operate under strict quotas and regulations set by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to ensure sustainable fishing practices and to prevent overexploitation of this unique species. The fishery is relatively small compared to other global fisheries, but it is significant within the context of Southern Ocean resources.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.