Ocean Stewardship
Powered by the Ocean. Committed to protecting it.
Driving progress for our planet
We are an omega-3 company powered by one of the world's most important ecosystems. That comes with responsibility, not just to source sustainably, but to actively protect the ocean we depend on. From our earliest days, we have believed that sustainable krill sourcing and a healthy Antarctic ecosystem are not competing interests.
Ocean stewardship in practice
From voluntary action to global collaboration
A consistent track record of ocean protection, built over more than two decades.
Voluntary Marine Protected Areas
Working with the Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting Companies and NGOs to create voluntary protection zones around critical penguin breeding habitats in Antarctica.
Marine Protected Areas
Aker BioMarine is taking an active role in advocating for the proposed Marine Protected Area that will cover 70% of the Antarctic Peninsula if adopted.
Ocean Stewardship Initiative
Joining as a founding partner of the Ocean Stewardship Initiative, a platform to accelerate private-sector leadership for ocean protection.
Since 2018
Voluntary marine protected areas
Our work with marine protected areas started already in 2018. Working through the Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting Companies and in collaboration with NGOs, we contributed to the creation of a voluntary marine protected zone around critical penguin breeding habitats along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Since 2019, the industry has collectively closed 74,000 km² around vulnerable penguin colonies through voluntary measures, acting well ahead of any regulatory requirement to do so.
Voluntarily closed around sensitive penguin colonies since 2019
Year Aker BioMarine began active work on voluntary marine protection
Ahead of any regulatory requirement
2025
Advocating for the Antarctic Peninsula Marine Protected Area
In 2025, Aker BioMarine took an active role in advocating for the proposed Antarctic Peninsula Marine Protected Area, The proposal is under consideration within the framework of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, the international body responsible for managing marine resources in Antarctica. If implemented, the MPA will cover an area of 455,957 km², representing approximately 70% of the region.
In parallel a proposal for a revised krill fishery management system is also under consideration within CCAMLR. The proposed system aims to strengthen ecosystem protection through spatial management of fishing activity and adaptive, science-based ecosystem monitoring.
If adopted by CCAMLR's member states, the proposed MPA will become among the world's largest and contribute significantly toward the United Nations global commitment to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030.
Through ocean stewardship, Aker BioMarine aims to contribute to advancing global ocean efforts, including the United Nations ambition to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030.
Among the largest Marine Protected Areas proposed globally, covering 455,957 km² if adopted
Among the largest Marine Protected Areas proposed globally
"The industry is ready to act for conservation, closing off vast areas with direct impact on our operations, but necessary for the long-term preservation and management of Antarctica."
Matts Johansen, CEO, Aker BioMarine
2026
The Ocean Stewardship Initiative
In January 2026, Aker BioMarine joined the Sustainable Markets Initiative in establishing the Ocean Stewardship Initiative, a platform bringing together industry leaders to accelerate private-sector action for ocean stewardship through scalable, science-based solutions.
First focus: Antarctica
Advancing the proposed Marine Protected Area around the Antarctic Peninsula, building on the work of Aker BioMarine and Aker QRILL Company.
Ambition: A replicable model
Demonstrating how industry can play a constructive role in ocean stewardship, balancing conservation and responsible use, building a replicable model for ocean protection globally.