The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has released its Review of the State of World Marine Fishery Resources 2025, the most comprehensive global assessment of marine fish stocks to date. The report confirms that all assessed Antarctic fisheries, including the krill fishery, are sustainably managed under robust, science-based international regulation.
Compiled with input from over 650 experts across 200 institutions and 90 countries, the review underscores the critical role of science and global cooperation in sustaining fisheries worldwide.
“This FAO report emphasizes what scientific research has long confirmed, the Antarctic krill fishery ranks among the world’s most strictly regulated and sustainable,” said Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine. “We built our entire operation on transparency, science, and long-term stewardship.”
A Model for Sustainable Ocean Management
The FAO highlights the Antarctic krill fishery as one of the most precautionary globally. Catch limits set by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) remain a small fraction of estimated biomass, safeguarding the Antarctic ecosystem. These findings coincide with CCAMLR discussions in Hobart on new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
“Conservation and sustainability can go hand in hand,” Johansen said. “We’re continuously working with CCAMLR members to advance science-based MPAs that protect ecosystems while enabling responsible operators to support ocean stewardship and food security.”
Balancing Health, Science, and Sustainability
Beyond its ecological value, Antarctic krill is a powerful source of marine omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), essential for many health areas including, but not limited to the heart, muscle, and joints. A growing body of evidence demonstrates krill oil's beneficial effects on health across multiple categories. Yet over 80% of the global population is omega-3 deficient, highlighting the need for sustainable sources like krill oil.
“Driven by a mission to solve real-world challenges, we aim to improve human health while protecting the planet,” said Simon Seward, CEO of Human Health Ingredients at Aker BioMarine. “As the leader in krill oil, Aker BioMarine has set the standard for sustainability, showing that when businesses proactively protect the environments they rely on, they not only lead their industry but inspire best practices across sectors. By making sustainable marine omega-3s more accessible, we can strengthen public health and ease pressure on healthcare systems.”
With the global population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, sustainable access to marine nutrients is more vital than ever. The FAO’s recognition reaffirms that transparent, science-based management can achieve both conservation and human health goals.
Through its Aker QRILL Company (AQC) and partnerships with research, NGO, and regulatory bodies, Aker BioMarine continues to demonstrate how sustainability, science, and human wellbeing can thrive together.