Aker Biomarine Antarctic krill

MSC status

Certified as sustainable on 15 June 2010. 

Summary

Species:  Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba)
Location:  The Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, within CCAMLR Statistical Area 48.
Fishing methods:  Pelagic Trawl
Number of fisheries: 1

Fishery Fact Sheet

Download the Aker Biomarine Antarctic krill fisheries fact sheet for A4 paper

More about krill

Krill are shrimp-like crustaceans that swarm in dense shoals found particularly in Antarctic waters. They can reach a total length of 62 mm, with Krill aged 5 years or above making up less than 1% of the stock.

Krill can spawn from late November to late March, although the onset of spawning varies
geographically and year to year. Females lay 6,000–10,000 eggs at one time. However, not all females are likely to reproduce every season, with the proportion of sub-adult and adult females reproducing within a season varying from less than 20% to nearly 100%.

Most interest in krill fishing is likely in Area 48. Survey results have suggested that krill density is
approximately 2.5 times greater in the West Atlantic than the Indian Ocean. The southern limits
of the distribution are not known exactly, as a significant proportion of the krill population extends
under pack ice where it cannot be detected. Nevertheless, biomass estimates of this species suggest
that it is the most abundant on Earth.

More about the fishing method

Krill are harvested using a continuous mid-water/pelagic trawl system which was specifically developed by Aker Biomarine. This system is guarded by a fine mesh which prevents anything larger than krill from entering the system and is monitored by underwater cameras.

Commercial market

Product from the Aker Biomarine Antarctic krill fishery is sold predominantly in the US and European markets.  Products include pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and feeds for aquaculture.

Actual eligibility date

11th February 2009