Our vessels operate in two fishing zones of Australia’s sub-Antarctic territories. These are Macquarie Island to the south-east of Tasmania, and Heard Island, which lies south-west of Western Australia. Austral Fisheries is proud of its demonstrated record of responsible fishing in these World Heritage Listed areas, where bycatch is less than 10% of total catch and interactions with seabirds and marine mammals are minimal.
Austral Fisheries is entitled to catch Patagonian toothfish around Macquarie Island and have been working in this fishery since 1994. Heard Island is home to Australia’s only active volcano, the Big Ben, which is permanently covered in snow and cloud and dominates the island’s topography. Here, Austral Fisheries is also entitled to catch Mackerel icefish as well as Patagonian toothfish and have been working in this fishery since 1996. Both of these Heard Island species are now certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.
The 2012/2013 season quotas for these fisheries are as follows:
Heard Island & McDonald Islands Patagonian toothfish: 2,730t
Heard Island & McDonald Islands Mackerel icefish: 679t.
Macquarie Island Patagonian toothfish: 455t
