Aker BioMarine reported a lower than expected krill harvest in 2021 due to low krill availability in certain areas and challenging ice conditions in August and September.

Year-to-date offshore production volume is 38,500 tons before fourth quarter harvesting, which is less than two-thirds of the company’s original ambition for the full year. The number of fishing days this season is 18% below the lowest of the comparable figures from the last eight years, and 23% lower than average (Antarctic Sea and Saga Sea only) as a large number of days is spent searching for krill. The company also noted that the total biomass in Antarctica is sound with a recent study showing a 17% increase over the last 20 years.  

“The 2021 harvesting season has been disappointing, and the significantly lower volumes impact our sales and earnings. As our vessels now sail to undergo maintenance and upgrades, I’m looking forward to next season starting in the fourth quarter,” CEO Matts Johansen commented.