- Harsher conditions: Antarctic waters are cold, stormy, and covered in ice for much of the year, making it challenging and dangerous to operate a fishing vessel.
- Limited fish population: The fish populations in Antarctica are not as diverse or abundant as in other parts of the world. Several fisheries are unsustainable.
- Environmental regulations: There are strict regulations in place to protect the fragile ecosystem of Antarctica. Therefore, fishing is highly regulated and limited.
- Distance from markets: Antarctica is far from major fish markets, making it logistically challenging and costly to transport fish.