Strict Measures Against Fishing Are Enforced to Safeguard Imperilled Marine Species

Half a million square kilometres of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands’ marine space is now under strict regulation, with seasonal fishing restrictions scaling up protection of the British Overseas Territories’ waters to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems and biodiversity.

“Together, the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area (MPA) and the Territory’s world-leading, ecosystem-based approach to sustainable fisheries management make a significant contribution to global sustainability goals and the UK Government’s commitment to long-term marine conservation,” as per a statement from the Government of South Georgia.

Krill and toothfish fishing are now limited to winter months – during five months, highly regulated and licensed krill fishing will be allowed across 40% of the MPA – thus reducing potential interactions with breeding seals and seabirds. Bottom trawl fishing has been banned across the entire 1.24 million-square-kilometre MPA. Longline fishing will not be permitted over 95% of the MPA, spanning all depths shallower than 700 meters and greater than 2,250 meters. These measures are designed to safeguard vulnerable habitats and species. Twice the size of France, the remote archipelago of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, also described as the “jewel of the southern ocean,” is home to globally significant populations of seals, whales, penguins, and millions of flying seabirds.