The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has released its Review of the State of World Marine Fishery Resources 2025.
The report is the most comprehensive global assessment of marine fish stocks to date.
It found that all assessed Antarctic fisheries, including the krill fishery, are sustainably managed under robust, science-based international regulation.
Produced with contributions from more than 650 experts across 200 institutions and more than 90 countries, the report highlights the vital role of science-based management and international cooperation in achieving sustainable fisheries worldwide.
“This confirmation from FAO reinforces what science has shown for years – that the Antarctic krill fishery is amongst the most strictly regulated and sustainably managed fisheries in the world,” said Matts Johansen, CEO of Aker BioMarine.
“Sustainability has been a fundamental part of our company since before our first vessel entered the Southern Ocean."
"We built our entire operation on transparency, science and long-term stewardship.”
FAO highlights that the krill fishery in the Antarctic operates under one of the world’s most precautionary management systems.
Catch limits established by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) are set at a small fraction of the estimated biomass, ensuring that the ecosystem remains healthy and resilient.
Released earlier this year, the FAO’s findings take on new relevance as CCAMLR members meet in Hobart this month to discuss the establishment of new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Southern Ocean.
“The FAO report shows that conservation and sustainable use can go hand in hand,” Johansen said.
“As an active contributor to the CCAMLR discussions, we are working closely with stakeholders and member nations to advance new high-protection MPAs based on sound science – measures that protect the Antarctic ecosystem while ensuring responsible operators can continue to contribute to ocean stewardship and food security.”
Less than 3% of today’s medicines and nutrients originate from the ocean
By 2050, the world’s population is expected to reach 9.7 billion, with longer lifespans and rising rates of chronic disease placing unprecedented pressure on global healthcare systems.
A growing share of the world’s GDP will be spent on healthcare, with cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions accounting for most of the increase.
The global number of people living with cardiovascular disease alone is projected to rise by around 50% by 2050, driven by ageing populations and lifestyle-related risk factors.
Scientific evidence shows that marine omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) can help reduce key risk factors such as high triglycerides, blood pressure and inflammation.
Studies indicate that regular omega-3 intake may help reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events.
Yet, more than 80% of the world’s population consumes less omega-3 than recommended levels.
“Prevention is essential to building resilient societies”, said Simon Seward, CEO of Human Health Ingredients in Aker BioMarine.
“Today, most people around the world have omega-3 levels below what is considered optimal for long-term health."
"There are many factors behind this and not everyone has access to marine nutrients through their diet."
"By making sustainable marine omega-3s more accessible, we can strengthen global health and ease the growing pressure on healthcare systems."
"This must be done hand in hand with science-based protection of the ocean’s ecosystems.”
For Aker BioMarine, the FAO’s conclusions reaffirm the importance of continued collaboration, transparency and science-based management.
Through Aker QRILL Company (AQC), which operates the company’s krill fishery in the Southern Ocean and in close partnership with research institutions, NGOs and regulatory bodies, Aker BioMarine continues to advance data-driven monitoring and adaptive management of the Antarctic ecosystem.