So far in October, average Urner Barry prices for 6-8 kilo whole, frozen H&G toothfish are at record levels up over 14 percent from 2013. Meanwhile, frozen 6 oz. toothfish portion prices are averaging $15.10 per pound this month, up about 7 percent from last year and the highest since 2012.
The market has gone higher this year as toothfish demand has increased on the fishery’s rebuilt reputation as a sustainably fished resource. Over half the catch is now certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council with another 60 percent of fisheries added to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program’s “Best Choice” or “Good Alternative” lists.
“Those changes are a result of the fisheries dealing effectively to eliminate IUU fishing, as well as substantial restraint and conservative Total Allowable Catches being set, along with environmental management measures such as implementing successful measures to retain seabird bycatch at near zero levels for the past decade or more,” said Martine Exel, the chairman of the Coalition of Legal Toothfish Operators.
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