The Tristan lobster Jasus tristani is distributed among several isolated islands and submerged seamounts in the South East Atlantic Ocean. This species is found on rocky substrates in kelp at a depth range of 0 - 200 m, although it is most commonly found between 20 and 40 m.The catch, processing and export of J. tristani is the most important economic activity for the inhabitants of Tristan da Cunha, providing the livelihood of many families and accounting for approximately 80% of the Island’s revenue. The species is harvested using hoop nets and metal traps on lines and sustainable harvesting of this valuable resource requires accurate long-term data on catch and effort, as well as information on the most important biological parameters such as growth, recruitment, moulting and reproductive cycles (Booth 2006). To protect the lobster stock there are strict restrictions on total allowable commercial catch for each individual island, the type of fishing gear, and minimum size. Safeguarding the fishery is a fundamental, and the fishery was one of the few in the world to secure unconditional MSC accreditation.

This fishery was certified by the Marine Stewardship Council system in June 2011. Click here to link to the MSC fishery page and to learn more about the MSC fishery certification unit.