QRILL Aqua | Krill is a part of Skretting sourcing policy

During AquaVision 2002, Innovations Director of Skretting, Dr. Alex Obach and CEO of Aker BioMarine, Matts Johansen came together to discuss the future of aquaculture, Skretting's new sourcing policy and how Antarctic krill is a good fit.

We were delighted to hear that according to Dr. Obach: “Krill is definitely fully part of the Skretting sourcing policy”.

The krill fishery is MSC certified, A-rated seven years in a row by Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, well managed and reported according to FAO CoC and Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living (CCAMLR). Further, Aker BioMarine has a tradition, thinking and talking sustainability since the beginning 15 years ago.

Dr. Obach emphasize that: “Krill is definitely a good ingredient. Both, because it is sustainable and also in terms of performance because it has some properties that go beyond nutrition”.

Don't miss this video interview between the companies two thought leaders.

To protect the ocean and ensuring that fish stocks intended for direct or indirect human consumption are caught within clearly defined, sustainable limits, Nutreco and Skretting have published a new responsible sourcing policy - a practical guide to decide on the type of marine ingredients that can be sourced for its global operations.

The document builds into the ambitions set in Nutreco’s Sustainability RoadMap 2025, which aims to ensure that by 2025, Skretting sources marine ingredients that are 100% certified or coming from a fishery improvement project for its global operations, as well as ensuring that all the fishmeal and fish oil used to produce feed originate from fisheries that are managed according to the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries.

Deep in the waters of Antarctica’s Southern Ocean live around 400 million tons of krill. This tiny crustacean is one of the most abundant species on Earth, feeding on phytoplankton and algae while traveling in large swarms under the icy waters.

Over the last several decades, much more has become known about this plentiful species, particularly in terms of the important nutrients it possesses. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, along with health boosting properties such as choline and astaxanthin, krill (as both meal and oil) has emerged as a high quality, functional ingredient in dietary feeds for all kinds of farm-raised seafood, such as salmon and shrimp.

Scientists have studied krill for decades, comparing it to fishmeal and other dietary feed ingredients. Time and again, researchers uncover that krill is best in test – yielding greater growth performance, survival and nutritional benefits in every marine animal that consumes it.

While its nutritional qualities are nearly undisputed in the scientific community, the sustainability of aquaculture ingredients like krill have come under increased scrutiny. This is something that Aker BioMarine takes seriously by catching less than the annual quota allows, reducing bycatch through technology, and ensuring that it maintains and exceeds the requirements issued by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Living Resources (CCAMLR), the Sustainable Fisheries and the US Food and Agriculture Organization.

Krill has the potential to be a game-changer in the aquaculture industry, but as with any marine resources, steps must be taken to protect it. Responsible and sustainable krill fishing is at the heart of Aker BioMarine’s business, as the company strives to leave the precious Antarctic marine ecosystem the same or better than before. As of today, the krill biomass is growing, and Aker BioMarine is dedicated to ensuring that it continues to do so for the long-term.