Sylvia Earle Calls for End to Antarctic Krill Fishing
The marine scientist urges a halt to harvesting as international officials meet in Australia to discuss fishing quotas.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Environmental
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Renowned marine scientist Sylvia Earle is calling for an immediate end to krill fishing near Antarctica to protect the integrity of the ecosystem. Her plea comes as government representatives from 27 nations convene in Australia to negotiate potential adjustments to regional fishing quotas.
Why it matters
Krill are vital to the Antarctic ecosystem and require water temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius to survive, but they are currently harvested on an industrial scale for fish feed and health supplements. Advocates argue that ending this practice is necessary to preserve marine biodiversity amidst global climate pressures.
The krill fishing season concluded in August after vessels reached a 620,000 metric ton harvest limit. Aker BioMarine controls two-thirds of this market, which currently faces scrutiny as nations discuss creating a marine protected area.
The players
Sylvia Earle
At 91 years old, she is a world-renowned marine biologist and explorer who previously served as the chief scientist of NOAA.
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
This international body manages the conservation of the Antarctic marine ecosystem and includes members such as the U.S., China, and Russia.
Aker BioMarine
Based in Norway, this company manages a significant portion of the global krill harvest and produces products like omega-3 capsules.
American Industrial Partners
This New York-based private equity firm purchased a majority stake in Aker BioMarine's fishing and krill meal operation in 2024.
The details
Trawlers from China and Norway dominate the industry, harvesting krill primarily for use in omega-3 supplements and feed for farmed fish. The call for protection aligns with broader international goals, including a United Nations initiative to safeguard 30% of global oceans by 2030.
Timeline
Sylvia Earle began her marine research career in the 1950s.
Earle served as chief scientist for NOAA in 1990.
The proposal for an Antarctic marine protected area was first introduced in 2016.
American Industrial Partners acquired a majority stake in Aker BioMarine in 2024.
The 2026 krill fishing season ended in August after hitting harvest limits.
The Big Picture
This proposal for an Antarctic marine protected area aligns with the United Nations 30 by 30 ocean protection initiative. Such a measure would mark a significant shift from current industrial harvesting patterns toward large-scale environmental preservation.
A potential ban on krill harvesting could significantly impact the global supply of omega-3 supplements and farmed fish feed. Consumers may see shifts in product availability or pricing if these industries are forced to adapt to stricter conservation regulations.
The takeaway
The debate over Antarctic krill underscores the growing tension between industrial food production and the preservation of fragile polar ecosystems. Experts suggest that as water temperatures rise, safeguarding key species like krill is increasingly vital for planetary health.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in marine conservation efforts by visiting our Environmental section.
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Do you believe it is worth using krill-based supplements despite potential harm to Antarctic ecosystems?
