World's Largest Krill Harvester Under Fire for Sustainability Certification
Norway's Aker QRILL, the global leader in krill harvesting operating in the Southern Ocean, finds itself at the centre of a heated environmental controversy. The company, along with its sister firm Aker BioMarine, produces feed additives for aquaculture and dietary supplements, with products carrying the Marine Stewardship Council's "blue tick" sustainability label since 2010.
Environmental Groups Raise Alarm Over Certification
Conservation organisations including the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition and WWF-UK have formally objected to the recommendation that Aker's krill fishery should receive renewed MSC certification. Their concerns stem from what they describe as deteriorating management of the Antarctic krill fishery since Aker's last certification in 2020.
Holly Curry, marine protected areas campaign director at Asoc, stated: "The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition opposes the recommendation to recertify the Antarctic krill fishery." Rhona Kent of WWF-UK echoed these sentiments, calling for "an immediate moratorium on krill fishing and a review of the sustainability certification issued by the MSC."
Conservation Measures Lapse Amid Political Deadlock
The controversy has intensified following the lapse in 2024 of a crucial conservation measure designed to disperse krill catches across multiple Southern Ocean areas, preventing local depletion. This occurred due to political stalemate within the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, with China and Russia blocking agreement renewal.
Scientists from the British Antarctic Survey have warned that climate-driven changes in Antarctica are accelerating faster than anticipated, placing krill populations under increased threat. These tiny crustaceans serve as the primary food source for whales, penguins, and seals while acting as an important climate buffer.
Assessment Process and Industry Response
In February, a 300-page draft report by third-party assessor LRQA recommended Aker's fishery be certified against MSC standards for another five years. Curry expressed "deep disappointment" that evaluators had not adequately addressed Asoc's sustainability concerns, noting the situation had "taken a step backwards."
Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker QRILL, defended the company's position, stating environmental groups promoted an "extreme narrative" that was "counter-productive" to achieving ecosystem protection. He emphasised Aker's behind-the-scenes efforts to break the CCAMLR deadlock, including diplomatic visits to China, and affirmed the company had no interest in expanding its fishery.
"We want these changes, we want the MPA in place, we want spatial management in place and we are working hard to make it happen," Johansen asserted.
Broader Implications for Antarctic Conservation
The dispute highlights growing tensions between commercial fishing interests and environmental protection in one of Earth's most fragile ecosystems. Naturalist David Attenborough has previously questioned krill fishing sustainability in his documentary Ocean, remarking: "Some claim this is sustainable, but we might be removing the foundations of an entire ecosystem."
As the MSC evaluation process continues, with formal objections now submitted to an independent adjudicator, the outcome will have significant implications for how sustainable fishing is defined and regulated in Antarctica's vulnerable waters.
