As we approach National Marine Week, celebrated from July 24th to August 8th, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on the ocean's vital role in our planet’s ecosystem. Covering 70% of the Earth's surface, our oceans not only harbor 80% of the world’s biodiversity but also produce over half of the Earth’s oxygen. During this week, marine-themed events across the UK shine a spotlight on the incredible wildlife and ecosystem services the ocean provides. At Just Vitamins, we want to align our efforts in promoting sustainable practices, particularly through our incorporation of sustainable Antarctic krill oil in our products. In this article, we will explore the critical role of krill in the marine ecosystem and the sustainable practices that are essential in krill fishing.

Key Takeaways

• Krill is essential for the marine food chain and must be harvested sustainably.
• Sustainable krill fisheries, like those of Aker BioMarine, are crucial for ocean health and biodiversity.
• Celebrating National Marine Week highlights the importance of protecting our oceans and the species that inhabit them.

The Role of Krill in the Marine Ecosystem

The Role of Krill in the Marine Ecosystem

Did you know that it's National Marine Week (July 24th to August 8th)? The ocean covers a staggering 70% of the Earth's surface, provides over half of the world's oxygen, and supports 80% of our planet's biodiversity. As marine-themed activities fill the calendar in the UK, we at Just Vitamins see this as a fantastic opportunity to emphasize our commitment to the conservation of marine life and the oceans that sustain us.

Sustainably Sourced Antarctic Krill Oil

Krill, a small crustacean residing in the Antarctic waters, plays an essential role in the marine food web. These tiny creatures are a primary food source for many marine animals, including seals, penguins, and whales. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and the powerful antioxidant Astaxanthin, krill is invaluable not only for marine life but for human health as well. However, the growing market for krill oil brings forth a crucial responsibility—ensuring sustainable harvesting practices to protect this vital species and the broader ecosystem.

At Just Vitamins, our Krill Oil is sourced from Aker BioMarine, a frontrunner in sustainable fishing and eco-harvesting practices. Aker BioMarine collaborates with organizations like the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) and WWF-Norway to establish the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR), which aims to support scientific research for the management of the Antarctic krill fishery.

Aker BioMarine's commitment to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. The company has received its third consecutive certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for responsible krill harvesting. This certification is not merely a badge of honor; it reflects rigorous assessment against the MSC Fisheries Standard, ensuring that all fishing practices are science-based and that the marine ecosystem is preserved for future generations. Since its initial certification in 2010, Aker BioMarine has prioritized a precautionary approach to their operations, abiding by catch limits that ensure the krill population remains robust and healthy.

Moreover, in alignment with their commitment to marine stewardship, Aker BioMarine and other leading krill fishing companies formed the Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting Companies (ARK). This collaborative effort includes restrictions on fishing activities during critical times, such as avoiding areas near penguin colonies during their breeding seasons in order to minimize the impact on vulnerable populations. Such measures demonstrate a collective aim to protect not only krill but also the myriad species that rely on them.

For the sixth consecutive year, Aker BioMarine's krill fishery earned an 'A' rating from the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP), indicating the healthy condition of fish stocks and the effective management of the Antarctic krill fishery in the Atlantic Southern Ocean. This recognition reinforces our belief that sustainable practices are not just an option but a necessity for global health.

Aker BioMarine is dedicated to continuing its efforts to protect ecosystems, reduce environmental footprints, and foster a future filled with healthy and sustainable nutrition. To learn more about their ambitious sustainability goals, visit here.

Join us at Just Vitamins in celebrating national marine week by making informed choices that honor our oceans. Together, we can ensure that the natural gifts from the sea remain for future generations to enjoy.

Sustainable Practices in Krill Fishing

Sustainable Practices in Krill Fishing

Did you know that it's National Marine Week (24th July to 8th August)? The ocean covers 70% of the Earth's surface, provides 80% of the world's biodiversity, and produces over half the world's oxygen. Marine-themed activities will be taking place across the country to celebrate the incredible wildlife found in the seas around the UK. We thought this was the perfect opportunity to discuss our commitment to conserving the health of our oceans and its inhabitants as a user of marine ingredients.

Sustainably Sourced Antarctic Krill Oil

Krill play a crucial role in the oceanic food chain, and it is vital that they are fished sustainably. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and the powerful antioxidant Astaxanthin, krill oil is becoming increasingly popular. However, the growing market necessitates effective management of krill fisheries to ensure they remain sustainable. This involves making fishing decisions grounded in scientific research and meticulous monitoring.

Just Vitamins' Krill Oil sources its krill from Aker BioMarine, a company recognized for its commitment to sustainability and eco-harvesting. Aker BioMarine collaborates with organizations such as the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC) and WWF-Norway to support the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR), which promotes research into the Antarctic marine ecosystem. This vital research helps ensure responsible management of the krill fishery.

In 2020, Aker BioMarine received its third consecutive certification from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for its sustainable Antarctic krill fishery. All MSC-certified fisheries have undergone rigorous assessment against the MSC Fisheries Standard, ensuring their commitment to sustainable fishing practices. Notably, Aker BioMarine was the first krill company to earn the MSC ecolabel, initially certified in
2010.

Independent assessors have praised Aker BioMarine for adopting a precautionary approach to catch levels, resulting in minimal bycatch. To further illustrate this, the total allowable krill catch is limited to less than 1% of the stock biomass, ensuring that over 99% remains available for krill-feeding predators, which maintains the balance of the ecosystem.

Moreover, Aker BioMarine, along with other major krill fishing companies, formed the Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting Companies (ARK), which has agreed to impose restrictions on fishing activities, particularly near penguin colonies during breeding seasons. This decision followed significant advocacy from Greenpeace in
2018.

For the sixth consecutive year, Aker BioMarine's krill fishery has received an 'A' rating from the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP), with an independent report confirming that fish stocks are in 'very good condition' and recognizing the exemplary management of the Antarctic krill fishery in the Atlantic Southern Ocean.

Aker BioMarine remains dedicated to protecting ecosystems, reducing its environmental footprint, and contributing to sustainable nutrition systems. For more information about their ambitious sustainability goals, check out their latest commitments here.

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