Aker Biomarine's Krill Fisheries Receives Marine Stewardship Council Certification for Environmental Sustainability

MSC's fishery certification program contributes to the health of the world's oceans by recognizing and rewarding sustainable fishing practices, influencing the choices people make when buying seafood and working with partners to transform the seafood market to a sustainable basis.

26 May 2010 --- Aker BioMarine has received confirmation that its krill fisheries will be certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), an independent, global, non-profit organization that works to promote the best choices in sustainable seafood. In future purchases of Aker BioMarine's Superba and Qrill products, consumers can be assured that their Omega-3 rich krill products are harvested in an environmentally sustainable way.

MSC's fishery certification program contributes to the health of the world's oceans by recognizing and rewarding sustainable fishing practices, influencing the choices people make when buying seafood and working with partners to transform the seafood market to a sustainable basis. The MSC certification is a visible demonstration of Aker BioMarine's long term commitment to the environment.
 
"Since its inception, Aker BioMarine has proactively adopted the highest standards in environmentally sustainable management of krill resources to ensure that we maintain the health of our ecosystem and krill populations," says Aker BioMarine CEO Hallvard Muri.  "This certification from MSC is a hallmark for our customers who can purchase our products with confidence, knowing that our Omega-3-rich krill oil was sustainably harvested and that their choices help protect the environment."  Aker BioMarine is the first and currently only participant in the krill fishery to receive the MSC certification because of its commitment to environmental harvesting, managed catch levels, and responsible approach to fishing.
 
Aker BioMarine actively collaborates with environmental organizations like the WWF Norway to adopt and promote new standards for operations where the health of the environment is foremost, including Aker BioMarines's innovative Eco-Harvesting. "We believe that it is important to work with the most proactive players to ensure the continued sustainability of this fishery," says Nina Jensen, Conservation Director in WWF Norway.  "Aker BioMarine is the only operator in the krill fishery doing all the right things: 100% observer coverage, vessel monitoring system (VMS), real-time reporting procedures, science and research contributions by allowing onboard scientists at no cost, and economic participation in establishing a science fund."