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Antarctic krill industry conservation in motion ker BioMarine and the krill industry under the Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting companies (ARK), are starting a fishing season with a joint commitment to keep the krill fishery operations away from Antarctic Peninsula penguin colonies, during the breeding season. This precautionary action is in line with the voluntary industry commitment, announced by ARK, in July 2018. “We have decided to voluntarily close off these areas for fishing because we believe it’s the right thing to do. Krill is abundant in Antarctica, but we know that global climate change may create unpredictable impacts for predators dependent on krill”, says Pål Skogrand, Sustainability Manager at Aker BioMarine. “The only way to reinforce a sustainable krill management for the future, that allows for increased yield and much-needed marine proteins and nutrients to the world, is for the industry to adapt to the needs of the ecosystem.” New rules, that will be established as part of the ART commitment, include the Antarctic Peninsula being closed to krill fishing (40 km buffer) up to February 1st, 2019. Gerlache Strait will be closed to krill fishing (30 km buffer) up to February 15th, and South Shetland Islands will be closed to krill fishing (40 km buffer) up to March 1st. The seasonal closure will pave the way for an all-year closure from 2020, of which size and limits are to be
decided after a review. “Our vessel captains and crew are excited about being part of this,” says Frank Grebstad, Senior Vice President of Vessel Operations at Aker BioMarine, explaining how the coordinates of the buffer zones have been put into the navigation systems of the vessels and are ready to go for the season. “This is an effort from all parts of the company to make this work, and the desire to take care of our workplace is very strong – and especially for the vessel crew who lives and breathes the Antarctic nature and wildlife,” Grebstad continues. “This is a major commitment with the sustainability not just of the krill population, but the ecosystem depending on it,” adds Dr Javier Arata, Executive Officer of ARK. Sustainability has been a top priority for Aker BioMarine since day one. The company’s operations are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and 100 percent traceable and acknowledged as one of the most sustainable reduction fisheries in the world for the fourth year in a row by Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP). Aker BioMarine and ARK-companies will also put money on the table to support the big international scientific synoptic survey of the krill biomass in Antarctica: this will give a new benchmark for krill data and contribute to a more solid foundation for future krill harvesting.
8 | January 2019 - International Aquafeed