Norway Seeks to Double Antarctic Krill Fishing Amid Conservation Concerns

Norway has proposed nearly doubling the catch limit for krill in Antarctic waters during a high-stakes conservation summit, sparking fresh tensions over protecting one of Earth’s most vital marine ecosystems. The proposal was presented at the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) annual conference held October 20-31, according to confidential documents obtained by Mongabay.

Krill—tiny shrimp-like creatures just a few centimeters long—form the foundation of the Southern Ocean’s food web, sustaining penguins, seals, whales, and countless other species. These small crustaceans swim in massive schools and serve as a critical link between microscopic algae and larger marine animals. The push to dramatically increase krill harvesting comes at a time when Antarctic ecosystems face unprecedented pressure from climate change, with warming waters already disrupting wildlife populations and ice formations.

The Norwegian proposal has reignited debates that first led to CCAMLR’s creation in the 1980s, when concerns over krill fishing sustainability reached a tipping point. Commercial interest in krill has surged in recent decades, driven by demand for aquaculture feed, dietary supplements, and pet food. Norway defends its position as “science-driven” and part of its commitment to sustainable fisheries management, according to Bjørn Krafft, a scientist representing Norway’s delegation.

However, conservationists argue that now is precisely the wrong time to increase pressure on krill populations, as Antarctic marine life already struggles to adapt to rapid environmental changes. The diplomatic tensions surrounding this proposal highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing economic interests with the urgent need to protect Earth’s last pristine wilderness areas.