Aker BioMarine’s Antarctic krill fishery was awarded an A-rating from the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) in the 2021 review. This marks the seventh consecutive year that the company received this recognition from SFP, an independent, non-profit organization responsible for the most up-to-date assessment of stocks and fisheries in the Pacific and Atlantic.
An A-rating from SFP is only achieved if the fishery earns more than eight points (out of ten possible), indicating very well-managed fisheries. Aker BioMarine’s Antarctic krill fishery topped the list for the 2021 review, earning between eight to ten points in all categories, the highest among the evaluated fisheries.
“SFP’s rating is an important measure for us at Aker BioMarine because it tells not only the story of our own journey to meeting our 2030 sustainability targets, but also the bigger picture story about how a fishery can operate well in a thriving surrounding ecosystem,” said Matts Johansen, CEO, Aker BioMarine.
“In a time where oceans are under pressure from climate change, fisheries and fisheries management are put under high scrutiny. It is reassuring for us to have another validation of the performance of the krill fishery from a strong source like SFP,” said Pål Skogrand, director of sustainability and Antarctic affairs at Aker BioMarine.
The rating system used by SFP evaluates fisheries in five key areas: management strategy, manager’s compliance, fishers’ compliance, current stock health and future stock health. SFP states in their sustainability overview for 2021 that they are seeing an overall increase in commitment among the seafood industry, particularly in the areas of sustainable sourcing and active improvements in the fisheries – both of which are strong signs of positive change.
“Sustainability is at the core of everything we do and it’s up to the ocean industries like ourselves to work methodically and sustainably over time to ensure that we are using this resource responsibly if we are to succeed in ensuring the longevity of the oceans,” added Skogrand.
Aker BioMarine attributes the consistent A rating of the fishery to its precautionary approach to krill management, stringent catch limits and a small but forward-looking industry that sets huge industry standards. Aker BioMarine actively collaborates across science, industry and non-governmental organizations, to ensure that the robust fishery management under the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is maintained and constantly improved with partners the Antarctic and South Ocean Coalition and WWF-Norway, Aker BioMarine supported the founding of the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund, which facilitates and promotes Antarctic marine ecosystem research to improve management of the krill fishery.
