Pharos SG protects South Georgia’s waters for two decades
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For twenty years, the fisheries protection vessel Pharos SG has patrolled the waters around South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, working to conserve the marine environment.
The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) chartered the vessel in 2006, converting it from a lighthouse tender to a dedicated patrol boat. Based in the Falkland Islands, Pharos SG monitors over 1.2 million square kilometers of ocean, enforcing fishing regulations and deterring illegal activity.
The vessel’s work protects key species like Patagonian toothfish and Antarctic krill, both important to the ecosystem and the regional economy. In 2022, the crew added a scientific echo sounder, allowing them to map krill populations year-round and gather data for sustainable fisheries management. Pharos SG also supports scientific research by transporting personnel and supplies and deploying underwater cameras to study biodiversity in previously unexplored areas.
The ship’s crew of 16 maintains a constant presence in challenging conditions, often spending most of the year at sea. Their consistent professionalism has been essential to the vessel’s long-term success. The Falklands Post Office commemorated the 20th anniversary, recognising the importance of the marine fisheries management in the region.
