Retailers Turn Away From Krill: A Sea Change for Antarctic Ecosystems
Europe’s largest drugstore chain, dm, has announced it will discontinue all krill-based products, following similar moves by Holland & Barrett. This shift signals a growing awareness of the impact of the krill fishery on the fragile Antarctic ecosystem and a potential turning point in consumer choices.
The Krill Conundrum: Why the Concern?
Krill are a keystone species in the Southern Ocean, forming the base of the food chain for whales, penguins, seals, and other marine life. Declining krill populations can destabilize the entire Antarctic ecosystem. Scientific evidence suggests krill densities around the Antarctic Peninsula have decreased by as much as 80 percent since the 1970s.
The situation is exacerbated by weakening regulations. A key conservation measure requiring krill fishing to be distributed across a wider geographic area, designed to reduce localized depletion, was not renewed last year. This has led to increased fishing effort concentrated in biodiversity hotspots.
Sea Shepherd’s Role in Exposing the Issue
Four consecutive Sea Shepherd expeditions to the Southern Ocean have brought increased scrutiny to the krill fishery. The organization routinely documents industrial supertrawlers operating near foraging whale pods, even within a proposed marine protected area. This photographic evidence, shared with retailers like dm-drogeri markt, has been instrumental in driving change.
Currently, the Sea Shepherd vessel Allankay is in Antarctica, supporting an independent team of scientists studying the impact of the krill fishery on whale populations.
A Ripple Effect: Retailers Respond
Dm’s decision to remove krill oil from its private-label products and discontinue sourcing all krill-based items aligns with its sustainability commitments. Kerstin Erbe, Managing Director of dm-drogerie markt responsible for private labels and sustainability, stated the company wants to “play an active and positive role in shaping the future” and offer a “carefully curated and forward-looking product range.”
This follows Holland & Barrett’s commitment to fully exit the krill category by April 2026 and the introduction of the Antarctic Krill Pledge – a call to action for retailers to end sales of all krill-based products.
Beyond Retail: Potential Future Trends
The growing consumer awareness and retailer action suggest several potential future trends:
- Increased Transparency in Supply Chains: Consumers will demand greater transparency regarding the origin and sustainability of ingredients, including krill.
- Alternative Omega-3 Sources: Demand for alternative sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, such as algal oil, is likely to increase.
- Strengthened Regulations: Pressure will mount on international bodies to strengthen regulations governing the krill fishery and establish more robust marine protected areas.
- Investment in Sustainable Fishing Practices: Companies may invest in more sustainable fishing practices, such as improved monitoring and reduced bycatch.
- Expansion of the Krill Pledge: More retailers may adopt the Antarctic Krill Pledge, signaling a broader industry commitment to protecting the Antarctic ecosystem.
Did you know?
The Allankay, formerly a Patagonian toothfish longliner, was transformed into a marine conservation vessel thanks to a AUD $5 million donation from Australian philanthropists Allan and Kay.
FAQ
What is krill? Krill are small crustaceans that are a keystone species in the Antarctic ecosystem.
Why is the krill fishery a concern? Overfishing of krill can destabilize the entire Antarctic food chain, impacting whales, penguins, and seals.
What are retailers doing about it? Retailers like dm and Holland & Barrett are removing krill-based products from their shelves.
What is the Antarctic Krill Pledge? It’s a call to action for retailers to end sales of all krill-based products.
What was the Allankay before it was a conservation vessel? It was a 54.5-meter Patagonian toothfish longliner.
Pro Tip: Look for products that use algal oil as a sustainable alternative to krill oil for Omega-3 supplementation.
Seek to learn more about Sea Shepherd’s work in Antarctica? Visit their website.
