(Oslo, August 12, 2026) At SCAR Open Science Conference 2026, taking place in Oslo this week, CEO of Aker BioMarine Matts Johansen is taking the floor to argue for ocean protection at scale. In his presentation "The Road to MPA in Antarctica” he will speak about the opportunities and complexities of establishing one of the world's largest marine protected areas, and to why a private-sector actor is choosing to get behind protection that also puts limits on its own business.
This year's SCAR Open Science Conference is hosted in Oslo by the Norwegian Polar Institute and gathers polar researchers, policymakers and observers from around the world for a week of scientific sessions, workshops and meetings. SCAR is an invited observer to CCAMLR, the commission that manages the Antarctic krill fishery, and provides it with independent, objective scientific advice. The research presented at this conference is, in other words, part of the knowledge base that shapes the rules governing the Antarctic krill fishery.
For several years, the Aker BioMarine and Aker QRILL Company have supported the establishment of a large Antarctic Peninsula MPA within CCAMLR, alongside strengthened, science-based krill management. If established, the MPA, jointly proposed by Chile and Argentina, would safeguard 455,957 km², around 70% of the Antarctic Peninsula region. Its adoption requires consensus among all 27 CCAMLR member states.
Since January 2026, the companies' engagement for the MPA has been carried forward under the convening power of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, one of the most influential organizations in private-sector diplomacy. For Aker BioMarine the choice to engage is deliberate:
“Ambition alone does not protect the ocean. In today’s difficult political reality, progress will require unlikely partnerships. When industry actively supports protection, we can work alongside governments, scientists and conservation groups to help diplomats build the consensus needed to get it adopted. That is the role we want to play,” says Matts Johansen.
The talk will cover the MPA proposal and krill fishery management, the opportunities and complexities of reaching consensus, what constructive industry leadership in ocean protection can look like, and why it matters that industry is part of the conversation.
About the SCAR Open Science Conference 2026
About Aker BioMarine
Aker BioMarine is a leading human health and nutrition innovator that develops sustainable marine-based ingredients. By harnessing the natural nutritional power of krill and algae, Aker BioMarine helps address global health challenges such as omega-3 deficiencies. Aker BioMarine operates a facility in Houston, Texas, serving as the hub where the majority of products are processed. This advanced plant runs around the clock, ensuring seamless operations and supply to global markets. The ingredient portfolio consists of Superba Krill® Oil, Lysoveta®, Revervia®, and PL+™, and the business model focuses on investing in science to validate the superior delivery of omega-3 benefits possible by krill oil. Aker BioMarine is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (AKBM). More information is available at www.akerbiomarine.com.