Marine Wildlife

Antarctic Krill Fishing: Ecosystem Welfare Implications

Krill are foundational to Antarctic food webs, supporting whales, penguins, seals, and seabirds whose welfare depends on krill abundance that is threatened by commercial harvesting and climate change.

Key Facts

Antarctic krill biomass is estimated at 500 million tonnes — one of the largest on Earth
Krill fishing for omega-3 supplements and aquaculture feed exceeds 300,000 tonnes annually
Whales, penguins, seals, and seabirds all depend critically on krill availability
Climate change is causing krill habitat to shift southward and reduce in extent
Marine protected areas covering krill spawning habitats are under negotiation at CCAMLR

Welfare Considerations

The welfare of Antarctic megafauna — whales, penguins, seals — depends directly on krill abundance. Humpback whales that cannot find sufficient krill face the welfare impact of starvation and failed reproduction. Penguin chicks starved of krill-fed fish die slowly in the colony. Krill conservation is simultaneously a welfare intervention for millions of individual dependent animals.

What You Can Do

Choose omega-3 supplements from algae-based sources rather than krill oil
Support Antarctic marine protected area negotiations at CCAMLR
Reduce aquaculture-fed seafood consumption to reduce krill demand
Donate to Antarctic conservation organizations working on krill protection
Engage with supplement manufacturers about their omega-3 sourcing policies