Towards a more selective Patagonian toothfish fishery

This paper describes how the Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) fishery in the Southwest Atlantic successfully reduced juvenile catches through a management measure based on regulating fishing depth. By taking advantage of the species’ differential depth distribution, the exploitation pattern was modified without requiring gear changes or additional costs for the fleet. This experience represents a concrete example of precautionary and ecosystem-based management, offering relevant lessons for other fisheries facing challenges in protecting juvenile fractions and ensuring long-term resource sustainability.