World’s largest krill harvester at centre of row over ‘blue tick’ sustainability label

Aker QRILL is facing criticism of its fishery management amid calls by environmentalists for curbs on Antarctic fishing of the keystone species

Environmental groups have objected to the recommendation of a “blue tick” sustainability label being awarded to a Norwegian krill fishing giant, amid concerns over concentrated fishing pressure and dramatic climate-driven effects on the Antarctic’s fragile ecosystem.

Norway’s Aker QRILL, the world’s largest harvester of krill, a tiny crustacean and keystone of Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem, and its sister company, Aker BioMarine, produce feed additives for aquaculture and dietary supplements for pets and humans.

Their krill products have carried the “blue tick” label operated by fishery certification scheme, the not-for-profit Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), since 2010.

Aker is undergoing a fresh evaluation of its eligibility of the blue tick scheme by a third party assessor.