South Georgia Fisheries Protection Vessel, 20th Anniversary of Pharos SG
For the past twenty years, the Pharos SG has been a constant and vital presence in the waters surrounding South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, safeguarding one of the most remote and ecologically significant marine environments on the planet.
The Pharos SG, a vital fisheries protection vessel, has been operating in the waters surrounding South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands for twenty years. Funded by the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) since 2006, the vessel serves a crucial role in protecting fisheries, conducting scientific research, and ensuring environmental governance within a maritime zone larger than 1.2 million square kilometers.
Originally built as a lighthouse and buoy tender in 1993, the vessel was converted into a fisheries patrol ship in 2006, earning the name Pharos SG. Operating primarily from Stanley, Falkland Islands, the Pharos SG has been instrumental in enforcing South Georgia's fisheries management regime. This includes deterring illegal fishing, inspecting licensed vessels, and monitoring fishing activity.
In 2022, the vessel was equipped with a scientific echo sounder, enabling it to conduct annual acoustic surveys of Antarctic krill, providing critical data for sustainable fisheries management. The crew, consisting of approximately 16 skilled officers and ratings, has consistently demonstrated exceptional seamanship, enabling the vessel to operate year-round in challenging conditions.
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