Krill trawling: Aker BioMarine’s strategies for balancing ocean health and global nutrition demands

Efforts to conserve and sustainably use the ocean have come into focus with the recent third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) in Nice, France. We look at evolving industry practices and rising standards with Aker BioMarine and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), following our previous examination of the ecological impacts of krill trawling and regulatory changes. 

Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine, present at UNOC 3, tells Nutrition Insight about balancing the demand for krill-based supplements with the need to protect fragile marine ecosystems. 

“The Antarctic krill fishery operates under one of the world’s most precautionary and science-based management regimes, regulated by CCAMLR [Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources]. Catch levels are set at less than 1% of the estimated krill biomass, and we actively contribute to conservation by voluntarily closing fishing areas and supporting a new Marine Protected Area (MPA) in the Antarctic Peninsula,” he explains.

“We believe that protecting the ocean and responsibly harvesting from it are not mutually exclusive. Our vision is clear: we want the ecosystem and wildlife in the Southern Ocean to thrive — and we believe it is possible to uphold best practices and high sustainability standards while continuing to fish.”

The CCAMLR is an international agreement aiming to conserve Antarctic marine resources. Its 27 members and ten additional states collaborate annually to manage fisheries.

Amanda Stern-Pirlot, chief standards officer at the MSC, tells us: “Krill is used in supplements and as aquaculture feed in countries across the globe. It is crucial that this human demand doesn’t outweigh the needs of Antarctic wildlife and the ecosystem. This is why MSC-certified krill fisheries have some of the highest sustainability credentials in the world.”

At UNOC 3, Aker BioMarine and Aker Qrill Company highlighted their ongoing advocacy for MPAs in Antarctica, voluntarily pushing for regulations that may impact its operations. 

“We are actively supporting the creation of a new MPA in the Antarctic Peninsula. This proposal would restrict our fishing activity in nearly 70% of Subarea 48.1, one of the regions with the highest concentration of wildlife,” Johansen explains.

“We engage directly with governments, NGOs, and the science community to shape better policy. At the UNOC 3, we used our platform to build momentum for marine protection.”

Harvesting without food chain disruption

Krill is a significant food source for baleen whales, penguins, fur seals, and fish in the Antarctic regions. Johansen states that protecting the food web is fundamental to Aker BioMarine’s operation.

Aker BioMarine voluntarily closed 74,000 km² of Antarctic fishing grounds near penguin colonies — beyond regulatory requirements (Image credit: Alfred-Wegener-Institut).“Krill is a cornerstone species in the Southern Ocean, which is why our harvesting is designed to be highly precautionary and low-impact. We follow science-based rules limiting fishing intensity and spreading activity across time and space.”

“We also actively support conservation through voluntary closures in biologically sensitive areas — well ahead of regulatory requirements — and back the establishment of a new MPA. This MPA would restrict fishing in areas with high concentrations of wildlife, allowing natural ecosystems to thrive alongside responsible harvesting,” he continues.

Johansen also reveals that operating in Antarctica is challenging logistically — navigating ice and distance — and environmentally, as Aker BioMarine seeks to ensure economic activity actively supports the health of the Antarctic ecosystem.

“Today, we operate under one of the world’s strictest regulatory frameworks, set by CCAMLR, and stay well below 1% of the estimated krill biomass in our catch levels. But we also go beyond what’s required.” 

“For example, we voluntarily closed 74,000 km² of fishing grounds near penguin colonies in 2019 — well ahead of regulatory mandates.”

With the rising population, expected to grow by two billion over 25 years, food systems will face higher pressure, warns Johansen. He believes that the ocean can offer solutions if approached sustainably and by taking action today.

“That is the balance we’re working to achieve: responsible harvesting that secures nutrition for a growing world while preserving the ocean for future generations.”

Nutrition Insight recently spoke to experts at the British Antarctic Survey who warned of risks if fishing occurs during breeding seasons. They also informed us that interim measures controlling fishing across different Antarctic regions lapsed last year, which could lead to overfishing in certain areas.

New research suggests krill fishing may still compete with wildlife during breeding seasons, despite voluntary no-fishing zones (Image credit: Alfred-Wegener-Institut).They reveal that CCAMLR regulations do not protect krill or the food web from the effects of climate change. Additionally, Sea Shepherd, which exposes illicit fishing practices hidden from public view, said krill is being “aggressively hunted” through practices like transshipment, which enable continuous fishing without a break.

A new study by the Alfred Wegener Institute has found that fisheries, penguins, and fur seals compete with each other over krill as frequently in winter as in summer, particularly in the British territories of the South Orkney Islands and South Georgia. Using Aker BioMarine’s acoustic data, it flags that fishing restriction zones — established voluntarily by the fishery — in the Antarctic Peninsula are not minimizing the direct competition for krill during the breeding seasons. Instead, they are shifting to the South Orkney Islands.

Plant-based nutrition alternatives

Krill is a source of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), astaxanthin, and phospholipids used to make supplements and nutritional ingredients for humans and pets. However, with the rising interest in plant-based alternatives, Johansen explains how Aker BioMarine is innovating to stay relevant and responsible.

“Global demand for EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids continues to grow, driven by increasing awareness of their vital role in human health and the essential function they serve in aquaculture nutrition. As this demand rises, there is a shared responsibility to support the long-term resilience of wild fish stocks, which have traditionally been the primary source of these nutrients.” 

“Recognizing this, the industry is exploring complementary and more sustainable alternatives. One such solution is microalgae — nature’s original source of omega-3s. By tapping into this foundational source, we can help diversify and future-proof the omega-3 supply chain, ensuring it remains robust and sustainable for generations to come,” he outlines. 

Aker BioMarine is “embracing the moment and the movement,” adds Johansen.

The company has opted for algae-based alternatives. “Aker BioMarine has leveraged its deep expertise in krill-based ingredients to launch Revervia — a high-quality, plant-based omega-3 that embodies innovation and environmental integrity,” says Johansen.

Revervia contains DHA up to 60% — the highest concentration from algae, says Johansen. It delivers natural triglycerides, requiring no molecular processing. He adds that the supplement is science-backed and resonates with vegetarian, vegan, and health-conscious consumers.

To reduce pressure on marine ecosystems, Aker BioMarine is producing Revervia, a high-DHA, algae-based omega-3 alternative.“Our expansion into plant-based omega-3s signals a forward-thinking approach to a rapidly evolving wellness industry,” says Johansen.

Certifications for transparency 

Stern-Pirlot explains that MSC certification means limiting krill catch to 1% of all biomass to prevent fishing from impacting Antarctic predators.

“The MSC standard requires all certified fisheries harvesting species that are particularly important in their ecosystems to demonstrate they leave enough in the water to support other animals that rely on them as a key food source.”

“To ensure their continued compliance with these rigorous environmental standards, the krill fisheries’ practices are regularly monitored by expert scientists through independent assessments and surveillance.”

Aker BioMarine says it is the first fishery to attain MSC. According to Johansen, the company’s sustainability efforts “do not stop at certifications” but focus on “measurable outcomes for the ocean.”

“Through our adherence to CCAMLR’s ecosystem-based management system, we ensure that our fishing activity remains well within safe ecological limits. We share our data transparently via initiatives like the Krill Science Hub, and our voluntary area closures have become a model for policy development and future MPAs.” 

“These actions help maintain a healthy krill population and contribute to a thriving Southern Ocean — delivering real-world impact beyond labels or standards,” he adds.

Stern-Pirlot calls for continued investment in research and innovation while complying with scientific advice and regulations.

“MSC-certified krill fisheries also implement voluntary measures to further ensure the health and safety of Antarctic wildlife populations — establishing no-fishing zones during penguin breeding season, for example, and ensuring harvest of krill generally is spread out in space and time, so it does not cause localized depletion of this important food source.”