What is Chilean Sea Bass?
Chilean sea bass is a more consumer-friendly name for the Patagonian Toothfish. It's a popular deepwater dinner fish with a mild flavor and flaky, milk-white flesh. Bon Appetit magazine named it the 2001 "Dish of the year."

Why have I had trouble finding it at some restaurants?

In 2002 a group of environmental organizations, led by the National Environmental Trust (NET), declared a boycott of Chilean sea bass. They claimed that the steep American demand for the fish was encouraging pirate fishermen to quickly deplete the world's stocks. While NET's campaigners convinced over 500 high-profile restaurants to yank the fish from their menus, its fundraisers collected millions for the "Take a Pass on Chilean Sea Bass" campaign from the wealthy Pew Charitable Trusts. Earlier, Pew had spent $7 million on a "Give Swordfish a Break" campaign which the federal government said was wholly unnecessary.

Are Chilean sea bass endangered?

In March 2002 the United States Departments of State and Commerce issued a one-word response to this question: "No."

When The New York Times investigated the story in May 2002, one fish merchant's comment was typical. "The issue is overblown," he said. "Where's the proof that the fishery is collapsing? Chilean sea bass is one of the most regulated items we purchase."