World's largest krill harvester at centre of row over blue tick' sustainability label

"Krill are a keystone species and the main food source for whales, penguins and seals. Aker QRILL, the world's largest harvester of krill, a tiny crustacean and keystone of Antarctica's fragile ecosystem, and its sister company, Aker BioMarine, produce feed additives for aquaculture and dietary supplements for pets and humans."

"Environmentalists say that since Aker was last certified as meeting MSC's standard for a sustainable and well managed fishery in 2020, management of the entire Antarctic krill fishery has worsened, due to lapsed conservation measures."

"To protect this extraordinary species and wider ecosystem, WWF is calling for an immediate moratorium on krill fishing and a review of the sustainability certification issued by the MSC until more precautionary fisheries management measures are agreed by CCAMLR."

Aker QRILL, the world's largest krill harvester, is undergoing recertification evaluation for the Marine Stewardship Council's blue tick sustainability label. Environmental organizations including the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition and WWF-UK oppose the recommendation, citing deteriorated management conditions since the last 2020 certification. Krill are a keystone species serving as the primary food source for whales, penguins, and seals. Conservationists argue that conservation measures have lapsed, with concentrated fishing pressure increasing ecosystem risks. WWF calls for an immediate moratorium on krill fishing and a review of MSC certification until more precautionary management measures are implemented by CCAMLR, the Antarctic marine conservation body.

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