Stephen Nicol Joins Aker’s Science Board

OSLO, Norway—As the newest member of Aker BioMarine Antarctic's Science Board (ASB), Stephen Nicol said he looks forwarding to helping increase the sustainability of Antarctic krill harvesting. "I am very pleased and honored to be able to join the ASB," he said. “Aker BioMarine Antarctic represents the company that has taken the driving seat in developing a sustainable approach to utilizing in the Southern Ocean."

Nicol holds degrees in zoology, oceanography and biology, and worked for more than 20 years with the Australian Antarctic Division as a research scientist and program leader.  He directed four major research voyages to the Antarctic and participated in five additional voyages. His study and research on krill, the krill fishery, and the Southern Ocean ecosystem has led to more than 200 published articles including the recently published article in Fish and Fisheries, "The fishery for Antarctic krill—recent developments," which outlined research that led to the determination that the krill fishery remains one of the ocean's largest known underexploited stocks.  Nicol has served on the Australian delegation to the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources since 1987, and in 2011, he was awarded the Australian Antarctic Medal in recognition of service to Australia's Antarctic Program.  Currently, Nicol serves as adjunct professor at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies at the University of Tasmania.

"Steve Nicol's years of experience with krill and the krill fishery are remarkable," said Sigve Nordrum, sustainability director for Aker BioMarine. “His study of the changing krill fishery and the impact of increased demand and new harvesting technology will be an invaluable asset in our discussions."

The recently formed ASB brings together internationally recognized scientific experts who will join with Aker BioMarine Antarctic's staff scientists to discuss the commercial and regulatory landscape for krill phospholipid omega-3s and the global demands for increased omega-3 consumption and supplementation. The members of the ASB provide diverse council from many complementary disciplines and combine to offer a global perspective. 

ASB’s first meeting focused on the existing data behind krill oil and omega-3 phospholipids, and the designs and progress of ongoing clinical trials with Superba krill oil.