June 9, 2008

Chile to farm Patagonian toothfish for the first time

Patagonian toothfish (Chilean Seabass) is to be farmed in Chile for the first time, following investment of nearly US$500,000 in government funds.

The La Araucana Education Corporation has been awarded funds through a government project after several years of research and development.

Patagonian Toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) is said to have a very high omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content. The fish in processed form is marketed as Chilean seabass.

The Patagonian toothfish fishery began in Chile in September 1991, when Chile began to offer fishing quotas for this species.

Landings peaked in 1992 with 17,778 tonnes, but overfishing has caused a stricter regulation and by 2008 the catch had shrunk to 3,000 tonnes.

The project would last four years with the aim to produce two to five grammes fry, the company said.