David Attenborough’s recent film “Ocean” includes some heartrending footage. In one clip, a colony of Penguins huddle on the side of an iceberg whilst super trawlers plunder Antarctic seas all around them. The ships were scooping up huge amounts of krill…vital food for marine life such as whales, penguins and seals.
Much of that krill is processed into omega-3 rich dietary supplements – destined for western consumers. Visit any Northern Beaches pharmacy and you’ll see rows of the stuff on the shelves. Krill is also sold as bait, pet food and (as wild stocks are depleted) farmed fish feed: controversial Tasmanian Salmon being a prime example.
The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic and Marine Living resources (CCAMLR) exists to regulate the krill industry. But vested interests fund surveys, rules aren’t enforced, and no new protected areas are being established. Scientists also question the integrity of brand certification schemes.
The name “krill” comes from a Norwegian word, meaning “small fish”. It’s a shrimp like crustacean with over 80 species. Antarctic krill, being the one that’s commercially targeted.
Krill is a keystone species that provides 96% of calories for seabirds and mammals in the Antarctic Peninsula. Whales – that cruise past our Peninsula in winter – depend on this food source to fatten themselves up for the migration. A single greedy Blue Whale can consume 3.6 million krill in one day! Whale sh*t contains iron nutrients which, when released into the ocean, promotes growth of the microscopic plants they feed on called “phytoplankton” (a perfect circulatory system!) It’s thought that to sustain the pre-whaling whale populations in the early 20th century, krill numbers must have been five times their current size.
There are around 400 million tonnes of Antarctic krill in the Southern Ocean, with shoals so large they can sometimes be seen from space. But krill populations have declined by 80% since 1970, partly due to exploitation but also from climate change impacts as ice-packs melt. Krill conversely play an important role in stabilising the climate. They convert 0.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gasses daily by eating phytoplankton and sequestering the carbon content in their poo. This removes 23 million tons of carbon annually, equivalent to the emissions of 35 million cars. According to a WWF report, this free “service” is worth $US15.2 billion (much more than the krill oil industry).
Norway, South Korea, China, Chile and Ukraine all currently fish for krill, catching more than 518 tonnes in 2024 (and rising). Next year, the global market for krill oil is expected to reach $941 million.
Australia’s never been involved in krill fishing but krill oil supplements are manufactured here and we’re one of the biggest markets. Both Coles and Woolworths (not Aldi) sell krill oil, as does virtually every health food shop and chemist in the country. Two of the largest companies that produce krill oil supplements are headquartered on the Northern Beaches (PharmaCare and Nature’s Care).
The potential cardiovascular benefits of dietary omega-3 fatty acids are well documented, but a healthy diet should provide all you ever need and Flaxseed, Chia seeds, Walnuts, Olive oil and Brussel sprouts are all good sources. If supplements are required, several plant-based alternatives exist.
The beautiful Antarctic and its amazing wildlife are under threat from something we don’t even need. It’s an easy choice guys…don’t buy krill-based products.
Take action and end krill fishing
For more info and to take action, visit endkrillfishing.org.au
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