Ocean Icon Demands End to Antarctic Krill Fishing

Oceanographer Sylvia Earle is advocating for an end to krill fishing in Antarctic waters, citing the crustaceans' vital role in the ecosystem. She stated that no sustainable extraction is possible and highlighted krill's importance for whales, fish, birds, and seals.

Earle's comments come as international negotiators discuss expanding krill fishing quotas. Environmental groups and scientific bodies are pushing for a large marine protected area near the Antarctic Peninsula, a proposal that has been stalled for years. Krill fishing seasons have ended early recently due to hitting catch limits.

The primary uses for harvested krill are feed for farmed fish and omega-3 rich oil supplements. However, Earle points out that omega-3s can be obtained from other sources, suggesting supplements are not a necessity. Researchers are also studying krill's role in carbon dioxide removal, noting that warming oceans threaten krill populations.

Earle, a pioneer in marine research, argues that any extraction harms the ecosystem. She specifically criticized Norway's Aker BioMarine, a leading harvester, for its significant market share. While Aker BioMarine's CEO is proposing a plan to increase quotas while spreading out catches and supports a marine protected area, Earle maintains that the environmental cost outweighs the benefits of krill products.