- Certifier :
- LRQA (Seafood) Limited
- Certified status :
- Certified with Unit(s) in Assessment
- Certified since :
- 15 Jun 2010
- Certificate expires :
- 12 Nov 2026
Overview
Fisheries are composed of one or more parts, each of which is entitled to receive an MSC certificate. These parts or “units” are defined by their target stock(s), fishing gear type(s) and if relevant vessel type(s), and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels.
When the term “Unit of Certification” is used for fishing units that are in assessment, it refers to the “Unit of Assessment” or “Unit of potential certification”. Expand a status below to view the parts that form this fishery. To check the detailed scope, download the latest certificate or open the Assessments page to get the latest report. Find out more by visiting our page on Fisheries
Catch by Species
| Species | Reported Catch Year | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) | 2024 | 333,873 |
Information is provided by an independent Conformity Assessment Body as live weight (the weight of species at the time of catch, before processing) and where a fishing season covers multiple years, the end year is given as the reported catch year. Additional information is available in the latest report, see the assessments page.
Eligibility, client groups and vessel lists
A fishery may choose to define the members of the fishery certificate. These members can be vessels or other client group members (e.g. companies that own vessels and/or companies that are named as eligible to handle certified product covered within the fishery certificate scope). Please refer to the fishery certificate statement on additional product specific eligibility criteria (e.g. product eligibility limitations, eligibility date, exclusive points of landing and the point where Chain of Custody certificate is required). Please consult the fishery Public Certification Report for product eligibility rationale.
| Documents | Published on | Files |
|---|---|---|
| Vessel List | 16 Nov 2023 | 1 files |
About this Fishery
Antarctic krill are small, shrimp-like crustaceans that are found in dense swarms in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic waters. Individuals can reach a total length of approximately 5cm.
Krill is estimated to be the most abundant species on Earth by biomass and plays an essential role in the Antarctic food chain. Antarctic krill is a keystone of the ecosystem as the main food for most Antarctic predators including baleen whales, penguins, seals, seabirds, finfishes and squids.
The Antarctic krill fishery is carefully managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Because of Antarctic krill’s keystone species status, CCAMLR impose extremely precautionary catch limits.
The krill fishery is permitted to harvest just 1% of the biomass in Area 48, the main krill fishing ground, and has mandated scientific observer coverage on 100% of fishing trips.
Consequently, Antarctic krill is considered one of the best managed species in the world, with 100% of Antarctic stocks in 2024 at biologically sustainable levels (UN FAO SOFIA report, 2026).
The QRILL Company Antarctic krill fishery (formerly known as Aker Biomarine) harvests krill using a specifically developed continuous mid-water/perlagic trawl system, called Eco-HarvestingTM. The system minimises casting of the trawl nets, with less chance of seabird bycatch. A fine mesh, monitored by underwater cameras, prevents anything larger than krill from entering the system, and whale and seal bycatch reduction devices furher reduce bycatch.
Market Information
Krill from The QRILL Company Antarctic krill fishery is processed into krill oil products and sold predominantly in the US and European markets. Products include nutraceuticals (Omega 3) and feed for aquaculture.