Aker Supports Krill Biomass Survey

OSLO, NorwayAker BioMarine is donating the Saga Sea, its krill trawler in the Southern Ocean, for five days annually to researchers investigating the health and size of the krill biomass in Antarctica. Aker is working in cooperation with the Institute of Marine Research and the Marine Research Assessment Group (MRAG) to support this acoustic survey near the South Orkney Islands, designed to support sustainability fishing practices and monitor the krill biomass.

The researchers, along with an MRAG observer, recently returned from their first five-day journey on board the Saga Sea. The survey will provide fresh data to the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) by which to monitor and set the annual krill fishing quotas and will help to ensure krill fisheries currently in the Antarctic seas are harvesting on a sustainable biomass.

Nina Jensen, conservation director at WWF-Norway, lauded Akers dedication, noting: "Taking a week from their harvest season to dedicate to scientific study is a substantial commitment and demonstrates Aker's understanding of their responsibility as members of the world-wide community concerned with the health of the Antarctic and its living resources."