Every fish has a story, but few rival that of Glacier 51 Toothfish.
Isolated deep in the sub-Antarctic a staggering 4,109 km from mainland Australia lies one of the most inhospitable islands in the world – Heard Island.
On the southern tip of this spectacular geographical feature, the breathtaking Glacier 51 (Fiftyone Glacier) pours into the surrounding treacherous icy waters, creating the ideal environment for the highly prized Glacier 51 Toothfish found patrolling the underwater volcanic crevices 2,000 metres below sea level.
Gale force winds, horizontal snow, ten metre swell and as little as four hours of light per day are just some of what mother nature throws at this incredible Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified sustainable fishery.
“I love working with Glacier 51. It is the ultimate fish – supremely delicious, sustainable and Australian.”
Neil Perry
Chef, Restaurateur – Rockpool Group
The Fish
The prestige of featuring on the menu of some of the world’s top restaurants is not an honour bestowed upon many.
It’s little wonder that Glacier 51 Toothfish has this honour, projecting waygu-like characteristics with a complex yet delicate mouth feel that coats the palate appealingly, making it a pleasure to eat. Its snow-white flesh and broad scalloping flakes display a clean and sweet flavour and the elegant balance of flavour and texture in Glacier 51 Toothfish provides a culinary versatility rarely found in fish fillets.
With a high fat and Omega 3 content, Glacier 51 (also known as Patagonian Toothfish) is well suited to both dry and moist heat preparations, with the flesh providing a perfect canvas for any number of flavour profiles and combinations, making it well suited to a broad range of cuisines.
The Fishery
Heard Island & McDonald Islands (HIMI), the home of Glacier 51 Toothfish, is Australia’s most remote Commonwealth-managed fishery.
It surrounds Australia’s only active volcano, Big Ben. The fishery is also home to 14 spectacular glaciers. Glacier 51 Toothfish takes its name from the Fiftyone Glacier, which is one of the largest glaciers in the Australian Antarctic and can be found flowing southwards on the south side of Heard Island. It was named “The 1951 Glacier” by an ANARE party that made a traverse of Heard Island in 1951.
The below video shows what is involved in bringing you our Glacier 51 Toothfish all the way from Heard Island to your plate.
Sustainability
The ultimate choice in sustainability, Glacier 51 Toothfish comes from an MSC certified sustainable fishery and is recommended by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program in the USA. It is now also completely carbon neutral, with Austral Fisheries being certified carbon neutral under the Australian Government Climate Active Program.
Australia’s Heard Island Glacier 51 Toothfish fishery undergoes rigorous stock assessments undertaken by the Australia Antarctic Division to ensure accurate ongoing monitoring of the stock. Vessels are required to conduct research cruises and tag and release thousands of Toothfish per year to improve our information on the biology and status of this incredible fish.
By regulating the fishery and continuing the extensive research programs on Toothfish, the Australian government and CCAMLR have ensured that fishing for Toothfish at Heard Island is sustainable.
Access Glacier 51 Toothfish Chef & Trade Resources
View the Glacier 51 Toothfish Product Brochure
Follow The Glacier 51 Toothfish Journey
Find out who is working with Glacier 51 Toothfish and where you can try some yourself. We’ve got a growing gallery on the Glacier 51 Toothfish Instagram account of stunning, delicious ways Chefs and home cooks are preparing Glacier 51 around the world.
