“License to Krill”: Greenpeace investigation questions krill fisheries' sustainability

14 Mar 2018 --- A five-year Greenpeace investigation has pitted strong accusations against the krill fishing industry, stating that the rising level of krill fishing poses environmental risks ranging from disrupting the Antarctic food chain, to contaminating a pristine area with vessel fuel spills and fires.

The report, entitled Licence to Krill: The little-known world of Antarctic fishing, states three main points:

• Intensive fishing could be taking place near Antarctic wildlife feeding grounds, creating direct competition for food.
• Their tracking data suggests that vessels have anchored themselves close to specially protected areas.
• Suggestions of risky fishing practices, such as transshipment and lax pollution prevention from sewage and oil which could damage Antarctic waters.

“The krill fishing industry in the Antarctic presents itself as purer than snow – but the real story is a murky one of vessels fishing from the bottom of the food chain near the feeding grounds of whales, penguins and other animals,” says Frida Bengtsson, of Greenpeace’s Protect the Antarctic campaign.

“They’re waging a tug-of-war for food with animals in the region, in an area already struggling with change. Climate change is impacting on krill numbers and Antarctic wildlife shouldn’t have to be directly competing for food with trawlers just so these companies can sell health pills on the other side of the world.”

Greenpeace is calling on the krill fishing industry to immediately cease all fishing activities in areas under consideration for protection by the Antarctic Ocean Commission and for all businesses buying krill-derived products to stop sourcing from vessels that continue to fish in these same areas.

NutritionInsight has reached out to a number of krill-product suppliers for response. Cilia Holmes Indahl, Sustainability Director at Aker BioMarine responded: "Our long-term operation in the region depends on a healthy and thriving Antarctic marine ecosystem, which is why we have always had an open dialogue with the environmental NGOs, and especially WWF. We strongly intend to continue this dialogue, including Greenpeace, to discuss improvements based on the latest scientific data. We are not the ones to decide on the establishment of Marine protected areas, but we hope to contribute positively with our knowledge and experience."

Aker BioMarine further elaborated on their environmental positioning, by drawing our attention to a comment from the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) Regional Director of Europe MSC, Camiel Derichs: "Putting this fishery in a global perspective, if all fisheries in the world would be as precautionary and well managed as Antarctic krill fishing, mankind would not have a global overfishing problem. These fisheries have been evaluated in a full assessment against MSC standards, and is in full compliance with the MSC standards. Few other fisheries in the MSC program score as high in their assessments as Aker BioMarine’s Antarctic krill fisheries."

Omega 3 supplements that derive from krill, such as powders, oils and pills, have seen an increase in production.A number of the large companies carry a “Friend of the Sea” seal of approval, which indicates a level of sustainability and traceability in the sourcing of their krill. This includes no overfishing, no catchment of endangered species and a reduced carbon footprint. NutritionInsight has previously reported on seafood companies that are endorsed by the sustainable seafood NGO.

Rimfrost, a "Friend of the Sea" certified company, tells NutritionInsight, "Rimfrost has 100% traceability on our krill oil and powder, all the way back to the location in which it is harvested in Antarctica and sustainability has always been, and always will be, high on our agenda,"Henrik Traaholt, Rimfrost, Vice President Sales, also lists their MSC certificate.

Sustainability has been hot on the topic for omega 3 fish oil, with huge amounts of products projecting their sustainable certificate as a selling point. However, the mass use of krill for omega 3 is a newer addition to the industry. Therefore, it can be hoped to see a similar, positive progression. 

Sustainability and the notion of a circular economy are high on both the industry and consumer radar, with “Mindful Choices” and “Going Full Circle” among Innova Market Insights’ Top Ten Trends for 2018. One of the most critical sustainability platforms relates to fish & seafood. The market researcher also notes “Ocean Garden” as one of its 2018 trends, where the industry is looking towards the sea as a source for ingredients and more holistic nutrition inspiration. 

by Laxmi Haigh