Tongan fisherman Feleti Kami, a crewmember on the New Zealand longliner 'San Aspiring' was the lucky winner of the $1000 reward offered by South Georgia Government as part of their extensive tagging programme for Patagonian Toothfish (Chilean Seabass).

South Georgia Government requires scientific observers on every vessel to tag and return two live fish for every three tonnes of fish retained. Whenever a tagged fish is recaptured important data can be gathered which leads among other things to a more accurate assessment of the status of the stock. This season 583 tagged fish were caught and a further 5000 were tagged and released. The high level of scientific research carried out into the toothfish stock in South Georgia has helped the fishery earn certification by the Marine Stewardship Council for sustainable and resonsible management.

It is therefore vital that crewmen report any tagged fish they capture - which is sometimes difficult given the speed and conditions in which they work. To encourage vigilance, South Georgia Government pays $10 for every returned tag, with the opportunity of entering a prize draw for $1000.

Mr Paul Martinez, acting on behalf of the Commissioner for South Georgia, presented Mr Kami with his prize during the San Aspiring's visit to Stanley, Falkland Islands to have her catch weighed in compliance with South Georgia licensing conditions. British High Commission, Suva, 20/09/07.