Science-driven management sets industry standards
The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), comprising 26 nations, manages the krill fishery with an ecosystem-based approach that prioritizes conservation over maximum yield. In Area 48—encompassing the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding waters—the total allowable catch is restricted to just one percent of the krill biomass, with actual harvests averaging only 0.8 percent. This represents the lowest removal fraction of any major global fishery.
Recent scientific assessments validate this conservative approach. A 2019 survey estimated the krill biomass in Area 48 at approximately 63 million tons, a slightly higher number than the 56 million tons in surveyed in 2000, demonstrating a healthy and stable population density and distribution over two decades[1]. A comprehensive ten-year study in the South Orkney region further confirmed that current harvest levels remain well below precautionary thresholds, highlighting the species' resilience under managed fishing pressure[2].
Minimal environmental impact through advanced technology
The krill fishery achieves remarkably low environmental impact through technological innovation. By-catch rates are negligible, with observer studies documenting non-target capture of merely 0.01 percent of total haul—the lowest recorded for any trawl fishery globally[3]. This exceptional performance results from advanced harvesting systems, such as Eco-Harvesting technology, which keeps nets submerged and immediately returns any incidental catch to the ocean alive.
Ecosystem health indicators confirm sustainability
The sustainability of krill harvesting is evidenced by the robust recovery of Antarctic predator populations. Baleen whale populations have rebounded significantly since the cessation of commercial whaling, with humpback whale numbers in the Western Antarctic Peninsula increasing from approximately 7,000 individuals in 2000 to more than 19,000 by 2020[4]. Similar positive trends are observed in seal and penguin populations—recoveries that would be impossible without adequate krill availability maintained through responsible fishery management.
Proactive conservation measures
The industry demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by implementing conservation measures that exceed regulatory requirements. Since 2019, krill fishing companies have voluntarily established exclusion zones covering more than 74,000 km² around penguin breeding colonies, protecting critical foraging areas during sensitive life stages.
Independent verification of these practices comes from the Marine Stewardship Council, which awarded the Antarctic krill fishery its highest sustainability certification in 2020. Annual surveillance audits continue to confirm that the fishery meets the most stringent environmental standards.
Addressing climate change through responsible management
As climate change affects marine ecosystems, the krill fishery maintains its commitment to responsible resource utilization. Krill play a crucial role in carbon sequestration within the Southern Ocean, and the minimal harvest levels have negligible impact on this carbon cycle. Additionally, krill-derived products contribute to sustainable nutrition systems by providing alternatives to land-based agriculture and feed ingredients with larger environmental footprints.
A sustainable future for Antarctic resources
The Antarctic krill fishery exemplifies how marine resources can be utilized responsibly through science-based management, technological innovation, and proactive conservation measures. By maintaining harvest levels well below sustainable limits and implementing voluntary protections that exceed regulatory requirements, the industry ensures that krill populations remain abundant for marine ecosystems while providing valuable nutritional resources for human use.
This balanced approach—combining transparent science, robust governance, and industry leadership—demonstrates that commercial fishing can coexist with ecosystem conservation, setting a benchmark for sustainable ocean resource management worldwide.
References
[1] CCAMLR. (2021). Fishery Report: Krill Fishery in Area 48. https://fishdocs.ccamlr.org/FishRep_48_KRI_2021.pdf
[2] Institute of Marine Research. (2023). Ten-year survey results of krill biomass in the South Orkney region. https://www.hi.no/en/hi/nettrapporter/toktrapport-en-2023-8
[3] Marine Stewardship Council. Observer-covered studies on Antarctic krill fishery bycatch rates. https://cert.msc.org/FileLoader/FileLinkDownload.asmx/GetFile?encryptedKey=uAoYFUL7pubiH0wFMc%2FpeWYiuQdG6AHXhNTUQcaiFQsTy6MkHC7jAmGZWzV3hI0h
[4] National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2022). Humpback whale population recovery in the Western Antarctic Peninsula. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8826076/