
Aker BioMarine Unleashes Innovative Ocean Data Drone to Protect Antarctic Ecosystem
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In the ever-evolving landscape of biotechnology and sustainable practices, Aker BioMarine stands out as a pioneer committed to improving both human health and the health of our planet. With the launch of the Sailbuoy, an unmanned solar-powered ocean data drone, Aker BioMarine not only reaffirms its dedication to innovation but also addresses the critical need for environmental stewardship in the Antarctic ecosystem. This article delves into the significance of the Sailbuoy drone, its role in sustainable krill harvesting, and how it aligns with our collective responsibility to protect nature.

Key Takeaways
- Aker BioMarine's Sailbuoy drone enhances efficiency in locating krill swarms, reducing fuel consumption.
- The drone collects crucial data to support sustainable practices and decision-making in Antarctic fisheries management.
- As a response to climate change, Sailbuoy enables better monitoring of the krill biomass, ensuring the health of this vital ecosystem.
Introduction to Aker BioMarine's Sailbuoy Drone
# Introduction to Aker BioMarine's Sailbuoy Drone
Aker BioMarine is a biotech innovator and Antarctic krill-harvesting company dedicated to promoting human and planetary health. As a proud supplier of Just Vitamin's Krill Oil, Aker has taken a significant step forward with the launch of its unmanned solar-powered ocean data drone, the Sailbuoy. This innovative technology is set to revolutionize the way data is collected in the Antarctic ecosystem, providing invaluable information that supports both sustainability and science.
The Drone Will Act as a Scout for Harvesting Vessels
The Sailbuoy drone is engineered to operate independently for extended periods, even in the harshest conditions of the Southern Ocean. Its primary purpose is to transmit real-time data regarding the location and size of krill swarms, as well as current water conditions. Acting as a scout for Aker's harvesting vessels, the Sailbuoy will significantly boost operational efficiency. With krill being unevenly distributed in the Southern Ocean, this technology can help minimize fuel consumption in the search for harvestable swarms.
Not only does the Sailbuoy enhance Aker's operational capabilities, but it also contributes to a reduction in the company's carbon footprint, aligning with global sustainability goals. Moreover, the data collected will assist fisheries managers at the multinational group CCAMLR (Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources), a critical treaty responsible for managing the krill fishery in the region.
A Precious Resource in a Time of Climate Change
The detailed data captured by Aker BioMarine regarding krill density and distribution will provide a clearer understanding of biomass size. This insight is essential in navigating the delicate balance between resource management and the effects of climate change, especially given the increasing demand for knowledge in this area. Frank Grebstad, SVP of Vessel Operations, emphasizes the transformative impact of the Sailbuoy:
“Finally deployed, after a number of years in development, the Sailbuoy is changing how we work. We can position it close to the vessel, and it will do the searching for us, or we can let it cover remote areas for up to months at a time, telling us where and when to proceed.”
“As our Antarctic eyes and ears, the data the ocean drone is collecting is proving absolutely invaluable, and it is enabling us to make our operations even more sustainable and focused, further lowering our impact.”
The Antarctic Krill Fishery is One of the Best in the World
Today, the Antarctic krill fishery is recognized as one of the best-performing fisheries globally, receiving an 'A' rating from the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) for the fifth consecutive year. This rating indicates that the krill fishery is in 'very good condition.' Many companies involved in krill fishing are also MSC- and FSO-certified, a rigorous process that continuously elevates standards and transparency across the fleet.
Aker BioMarine, through initiatives like the Sailbuoy, exemplifies a commitment to not only harvesting sustainably but also to fostering a greater understanding of the marine environment, ensuring that this precious resource can be enjoyed for generations to come. As advocates of holistic wellness and environmental stewardship, this innovative approach resonates deeply with those who prioritize natural health solutions.
The Impact of Sailbuoy on Sustainable Krill Harvesting
The Impact of Sailbuoy on Sustainable Krill Harvesting
Aker BioMarine is a renowned biotech innovator and Antarctic krill-harvesting company, proudly supplying Just Vitamin's Krill Oil. As part of its commitment to enhancing human and planetary health, Aker has introduced Sailbuoy, an unmanned solar-powered ocean data drone designed to collect critical information that supports the science of the Antarctic ecosystem.
The Drone Will Act as a Scout for Harvesting Vessels
Sailbuoy operates independently in the extreme Southern Ocean environment and transmits real-time data on krill swarm locations, sizes, and local water conditions. Its primary function is to assist Aker's harvesting vessels in efficiently locating dense krill swarms. This innovation is vital because, while krill is abundant in Antarctic waters, it is not uniformly distributed. Consequently, a significant amount of fuel can be expended searching for fishable swarms. The use of Sailbuoy will enhance operational efficiency and significantly reduce the carbon footprint of krill harvesting.
Furthermore, the drone contributes to Aker's expanding data collection efforts. This data will aid fisheries managers at the multinational group CCAMLR (Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources), which oversees the Antarctic krill fishery and ensures sustainability in the rapidly changing climate.
A Precious Resource in a Time of Climate Change
The comprehensive data gathered by Aker BioMarine will provide crucial insights into krill biomass density and distribution. This information is necessary to guide sustainable practices amid climate change and the increasing need for global nutritional resources. As Frank Grebstad, SVP Vessel Operations, articulates:
“Finally deployed, after a number of years in development, Sailbuoy is changing how we work. We can position it close to the vessel, and it will search for us, or cover remote areas for up to months at a time, telling us where and when to proceed.”
“As our Antarctic eyes and ears, the data the ocean drone is collecting is proving absolutely invaluable, enabling us to make our operations even more sustainable and more focused, further lowering our impact.”
The Antarctic Krill Fishery is One of the Best in the World
Recognized for its sustainability, the Antarctic krill fishery has achieved an ‘A’ rating from the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) for five consecutive years, reinforcing its reputation as a fishery in “very good condition.” Most krill fishery companies hold MSC and FSO certifications, a rigorous process that enhances both standards and transparency for the entire fleet, ultimately promoting responsible and sustainable harvesting practices.
By utilizing cutting-edge technology such as Sailbuoy, Aker BioMarine exemplifies the importance of stewardship over our natural resources. Embracing advanced, eco-friendly harvesting methods reflects not only corporate responsibility but also aligns with a faith-grounded worldview that values the health of the planet and human well-being. For further insights into natural health and sustainable practices, explore JustVitamins.org.