Aker BioMarine vessel. (Photo Credit: Aker BioMarine)

Krill fishery review shows improvements

Aker BioMarine’s sustainable krill fishing activities have been supported by Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as part of the fishery re-certification process.

The biotechnology firm is undergoing an MSC-certification renewal process, through which it intends to re-certify the sustainability and 100 per cent traceability of Superba™ and Qrill™, the company’s flagship krill ingredients.

The MSC's report on the fishery review process, which is due every five years under the terms of the certification scheme, is open for public comment until 13 September this year.

“I think this re-certification strengthens our commitment to sustainability and the high standards set by MSC,” pointed out Sigve Nordrum, Sustainability Director, Aker BioMarine. “We invite all stakeholders to review the report and offer feedback as necessary.”

As part of the assessment process comprehensive interviews were carried out, which were complemented by a full and thorough review of relevant literature and data sources.

In addition, key stakeholders in the fishery – including skippers, scientists, fishery protection officers, NGOs such as WWF-Norway, Greenpeace and the British Antarctic Survey, fishery managers and technical support staff – were crucial to the development of MSC certification’s report, which praised Aker on several grounds including:

• Responsible catch volumes;
• Use of specialized nets meant negligible by-catch and interaction with other species;
• Well-functioning management regime and enforcement system for the fishery, with observers having 100 per cent access to boats and facilities.

Nrodrum noted the firm had improved its performance in areas.

“During the first MSC certification process we got lower scores and needed to improve in certain areas. This time around the draft assessment report found no conditions that needed to be improved and our scores went up in almost every area,” he highlighted.

“We are pleased with the results of the re-certification process and think the report puts the krill fishery in a very positive light,” the Sustainability Director concluded.

When the comment period closes, the independent Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) will review and address any stakeholder comments submitted. Then, the CAB will issue a final report that includes a determination as to whether the fishery should be re-certified to the MSC standard. The release of the Final Certification Report will start the objection period. 

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