Toothfish_Day
Toothfish Day
Annual public holiday on 4 September
Toothfish Day is a public holiday celebrated in the British Overseas Territory of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands. It is annually on 4 September,[1] but if that falls on a weekend it may be observed on a weekday.[2] It is one of eleven public holidays in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands,[2] appointed by the Governor in Council.[3][4]
The holiday marks the end of the toothfish (Dissostichus, also called Chilean sea bass) fishing season.[1][5][6][7] Locals (which at this time of year number around 16[5][7]) celebrate with a toast.[1] Some bake gingerbread toothfish cookies.[8] The Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) celebrates with a Toothfish Day Reception at Government House in Stanley.[9][6][10] The reception includes a quiz,[6] a toast, and a menu featuring many dishes made with toothfish.[5][10][11] GSGSSI also holds meetings and a reception in London to mark the occasion.[6]
The holiday was created to show the importance of the Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) fishery and to spotlight the sustainable fishing practices of the industry in the territory.[6][5][7] The holiday dates back to at least 2012, when it was called "Toothfish (end of season) Day" and took place on 14 September.[12] The holiday replaced a previously undesignated bank holiday.[4] It remained under that name and stayed in mid-September[13] until 2015 when it was instituted as simply Toothfish Day and moved to 4 September.[4][14]