Antarctica is often perceived as a pristine wilderness, but it faces significant environmental threats that jeopardize its unique biodiversity and crucial role in regulating Earth's climate.

While record-breaking temperatures and increased tourism are already affecting the region, one of the most pressing dangers comes from concentrated krill fishing. Krill is a keystone species, essential for carbon sequestration as well as the primary food source for many marine animals, including whales, penguins, seals, and seabirds (read more about the importance of krill here).

The demand for krill is booming due to its use in omega-3 health supplements and as feed in the rapidly expanding fish farming industry—the world's fastest-growing food sector. According to a report published in January by Global Industry Analysts, the krill oil market is projected to rise from $531 million to $941 million by 2026. This surge in demand could lead to intensified krill harvesting, further endangering the Antarctic ecosystem. Combined, these threats underscore the urgent need to protect the Southern Ocean's unique biodiversity and its vital function in regulating the Earth's climate.

Outdated "precautionary catch limits" set in the 1990s fail to account for climate change and advances in fishing technology, leading to concentrated overfishing that disrupts the food chain. Scientists have observed that krill populations are no longer sufficient to support the recovery of whale species to their pre-whaling numbers, even without the added pressure of krill fishing. 

Sea Shepherd Global's Campaigns Exposing Harmful Krill Fishing Practices

Sea Shepherd Global has been on the frontline in Antarctica to expose the harmful—yet legal—practices of the krill fishery. Shockingly, there are no laws preventing industrial super-trawlers from encroaching on feeding grounds.

Our crew on the Allenkay have documented instances where industrial super-trawlers have plowed right through waters where penguins and whales were feeding on krill, stealing the food right from their mouths. The documented proximity of whales and marine birds to these trawlers’ nets has also resulted in their injury or death through entanglement as bycatch. 

By bringing attention to these issues, Sea Shepherd urges regulatory bodies and governments to enact stronger protections for the Antarctic ecosystem. Only the implementation of no-take zones in key feeding areas and strict enforcement of existing regulations can give krill populations and the predators that depend on them a chance to recover and thrive. 

CCAMLR's Role in Marine Protection

The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is currently holding its annual meeting in Hobart, Tasmania, from October 14 to October 25. 

Established in 1982, CCAMLR is the international body responsible for conserving Antarctica's Southern Ocean. This year, the commission has a historic opportunity to achieve the largest act of marine protection ever by approving a new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along the western Antarctic Peninsula, focusing on the needs of krill predators like penguins, whales, and seals. 

If CCAMLR adopts the proposed MPA and new ecosystem-based management measures for the krill fishery during this meeting, it would not only benefit marine wildlife and a healthier ocean, but also contribute significantly to the global commitment to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. 

However, decisions at CCAMLR are made through a consensus-based process, where any member country can veto proposed measures. This has led to repeated blockages in establishing new Marine Protected Areas, particularly in regions critical for krill and the species that depend on them. 

Don’t Fall for the Greenwashing Hype

Despite clever marketing tactics, “pure Antarctic krill” is for the whales, penguins, seals and other wildlife in Antarctica that depend on it, not humans who send industrial trawlers to the other side of the world to plunder this keystone species for unnecessary products. 

The best way to help protect Antarctica’s wildlife is to avoid krill-based products, including krill oil supplements and farmed fish fed with krill meal. Instead, use sustainable alternatives like plant-based omega-3 supplements derived from algae – the same source used by krill! 

Take Action

Sea Shepherd has created a tool for volunteers like you to take action and assist us in mapping the industry. Scout your local supermarkets and drugstores in search of krill-based products, then take photos of them and submit them to our central database using our simple, interactive interface. Sea Shepherd will then use this data to assess and identify corporate targets for the next stage of our campaign work. Check it out here: https://www.seashepherdglobal.org/latest-news/krill-toolkit