US accuses UK of exploiting Russia tensions to fish highly prized species

After Russia rejected agreed catch limits, Britain unilaterally licensed boats to hunt toothfish near Antarctica - a move the US says breaches international rules

A diplomatic row has broken out between the UK and the US over efforts to conserve a deepwater species of fish near Antarctica, as Russia obstructs attempts to set catch limits.

Last year, amid tensions with the west over Ukraine, Russia rejected catch limits for Patagonia toothfish - also known as Chilean seabass - set by a 26-member fishing regulatory body, the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).