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CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS

Ensuring a low impact on the planet

BIOMASS IN GOOD CONDITION

All catches of krill are reported to CCAMLR (Commission of the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources) which manages and regulates all Antarctic marine ecosystems. CCAMLR practices an ecosystem-based management approach, rather than species-specific regulation. Harvesting is allowed as long as it is carried out in a sustainable manner and does not harm other ecosystem components. Currently, commercial krill fishing in the Southern Ocean takes place mainly in Area 48. The management of the fishery is very stable, as the consensus of 25 nations is required to change Antarctic fishery regulations.

The total allowable catch of krill is set to 1% of the biomass. Together, the whole industry only fishes 0.5% of the biomass. 

FIRST MSC-CERTIFIED KRILL SUPPLIER

Ingredients that carry the blue Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label have demonstrated that they come from a fishery that meets the most stringent sustainability standards. Fisheries and manufacturers that are MSC certified are audited by independent, third-party evaluators. MSC certification guarantees that the marine resources are harvested using sustainable methods and that all products are traceable throughout the supply chain.

In 2020, Aker BioMarine received its third consecutive certification with no conditions from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for its sustainable Antarctic krill fishery following an independent assessment. The company was initially certified in 2010, being the first krill company ever to carry the MSC label. MSC is the highest renowned sustainability certification available. It scored highest in a comparison of wild-capture fisheries certification schemes initiated by WWF, independently carried out by Accenture in 2012.

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ONLY REDUCTION FISHERY TO RECEIVE AN «A» RATING

The Antarctic krill fishery has seven years in a row received an “A” ranking from the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership for having a biomass that is deemed to be in very good condition.

In addition to internal efforts to ensure a sustainable fishery, the Antarctic Krill fishery is one of the world’s strongest regulated fisheries. All catches of krill is reported to CCAMLR (Commission of the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources), and compared to other fisheries where precautionary catch limits are set to 10% of the biomass the total allowable catch of Antarctic krill is set to 1% of the biomass. Together, the whole industry only fish 0.5% of the biomass in subarea 48, located around the Antarctic Peninsula, the Orkney Islands and South Georgia. The management of the fishery is very stable, as the consensus of 28 nations is needed to change the regulation.

ECO-HARVESTING

At Aker BioMarine we are known for our proprietary Eco-Harvesting technology, which reduces by-catch to a minimum.

The Eco-Harvesting technology employs a continuous mid-water trawl system that is guarded by a fine mesh net, which prevents anything larger than krill from entering. Underwater cameras monitor the system. Rather than heaving a trawl to get the catch on board, a conveyor hose is attached to the end of the net, which remains underwater throughout the entire operation. A continuous stream of water flows through the hose, bringing the live krill directly into the ship, while minimizing by-catch.