Did you know...

Chances are you'd say no to this question. But call it by its common market name,Chilean Sea Bass and the answer might be different.

This very ugly fish with an equally ugly name gained popularity only after a name change. The Chileans were the first to market toothfish commercially in the United States, calling it Chilean Sea Bass, although it is really not a bass and it is not always caught in Chilean waters. It is a different species type than the Sea Bass caught in U. S. waters. Because of its white meat appeal, Chilean Sea Bass usually fetches premium prices in specialty markets and high-end restaurants. It is a deep-water fish that can live up to 50 years and grow to weigh over 200 pounds.

Is Chilean Sea Bass trade regulated? Yes. In order to address the problem of illegal fishing, the Commission has adopted a measure requiring that all imports of Chilean Sea Bass be accompanied by a document verifying that the fish were caught legally. U.S. Customs and NOAA Fisheries regulations do not allow Chilean Sea Bass imports without this document and a valid dealer permit issued by NOAA. In addition, the United States works closely with Chile to ensure that Chilean Sea Bass imported from there has been legally caught within legal limits and that provide for the sustainable use and conservation of the fishery resource.

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How is Chilean Sea Bass legally caught and marketed? Mostly by hooks attached to long-lines, strung behind fishing boats. A small amount of Chilean Sea Bass is caught in waters off the coast of Chile, then iced and shipped to the United States fresh. However, the majority of Chilean Sea Bass is harvested in distant waters of Antarctica, frozen onboard factory vessels, and shipped several weeks to several months later.

The United States imports about 10,000 tons of fresh and frozen Chilean Sea Bass every year; in 2006 this was approximately 44% of the worldwide Chilean Sea Bass catch.