International Body Rejects Proposal to Double Antarctic Krill Catch
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The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) has rejected a Norwegian proposal to nearly double the allowable catch of Antarctic krill. In response, China reiterated its veto on a proposed marine protected area in the region. The decisions maintain the current catch limits and conservation status quo for the Southern Ocean.
Facts First
- CCAMLR rejected a Norwegian proposal to move away from fixed catch limits and nearly double the krill harvest.
- China reiterated its veto on establishing a marine protected area around the western Antarctic Peninsula and South Orkney Islands.
- Aker QRILL, a Norwegian company, harvested 52% of the Southern Ocean krill catch in the 2025 season.
- China and Norway are working to expand the fishery by promoting a new management system and supporting their fleets.
What Happened
During a meeting in Hobart, Australia, in October 2025, the 27 members of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) did not reach the consensus required to approve a Norwegian proposal. The proposal sought to move away from a fixed catch-limit system and nearly double the amount of krill (Euphausia superba) that can be fished in the Southern Ocean. Following this refusal, the Chinese delegation reiterated its veto on a separate proposal to establish a marine protected area around the western Antarctic Peninsula and the South Orkney Islands.
Why this Matters to You
The krill fishery is a source of omega-3 supplements and aquaculture feed. A significant expansion of the catch could affect the long-term supply and price of these products. The rejection of the proposal and the ongoing dispute over marine protections may signal continued uncertainty for companies and nations invested in the region's resources. The health of the Antarctic ecosystem, which krill support, could have broader implications for global ocean health.
What's Next
The current catch limits and management system for the Southern Ocean krill fishery remain in place. Future CCAMLR meetings will likely continue to debate both catch limits and the proposed marine protected areas. The positions of key fishing nations like Norway and China will be central to these discussions, and reaching consensus may prove challenging.