As a collection of sub-Antarctic islands and Antarctic territories, the French Southern Territories (FST) lay claim to an immense exclusive economic zone containing rich fishing grounds. The cold, nutrient-dense waters surrounding the FST support abundant marine life, making commercial fishing a major industry.
Tuna, toothfish, crab, and krill are among the most important catches. Fishing fleets from France, the European Union, and Asia regularly ply the waters under fisheries agreements with France. The FST are also a leader in sustainable harvesting of krill, a keystone species and vital food source for seabirds, seals, and whales. Strict catch limits and no-fishing zones help maintain healthy ecosystems while sustaining economic activity.
As climate change shifts species distributions, the FST fishing industry must adapt. Ruskin Felix Consulting could aid these efforts through initiatives like ecosystem monitoring, quota negotiations, and fleet modernization projects. Our expertise in sustainable resource management would support France’s stewardship of FST fisheries. RFC is also well-positioned to facilitate new partnerships between FST fishing cooperatives, research institutions, and international markets.
With careful oversight and sustainable practices, fishing can continue providing jobs and revenue for the FST while maintaining marine biodiversity. RFC sees opportunities to strengthen this balance through initiatives enhancing governance, value-added processing, and the ongoing “blue growth” of the territory’s ocean economy. In so doing, we can help secure a prosperous future for both the FST fishing industry and the rich marine environments upon which it depends.