Aker Eco-Harvesting Technology

Aker BioMarine has worked systematically to develop a new harvesting technology and has come up with a solution to krill harvesting challenges, called Eco-Harvesting. And it works.

Harvesting krill in a commercially viable and environmentally sound way is challenging. Traditional trawling methods where the catch is hauled up on deck and emptied into holding tanks before processing is unsuitable, as the krill contains highly digestive enzymes and basically self-destructs before it can be processed.

Furthermore, unwanted by-catch, e.g.of fish and seals, is a problem with regular trawling in the South Atlantic and may pose a threat to fragile marine eco-systems in the Antarctic.

Aker Eco-Harvesting fishing system allows the fishing net to stay under water during the entire operation. The krill is filtered at the end of the net and flows upwards in a flexible hose, with air injection crating the upward lift. The equipment stays under water while a continuous stream of water flows through the hose, bringing the krill live and fresh directly into the factory vessel, which allows for processing of fresh raw material with superior product quality.

Eco-Harvesting results in minimal environmental impact. The innovative, sustainable krill harvesting will allow future generations to reap bounteous harvests of krill for yet-to-be-developed uses of this tiny but nutrition-packed crustacean.