SYDNEYStephen Nicol, Ph.D., expert on krill sustainability and scientific advisor to the Association of Responsible Krill Harvesting Companies (ARK), joined a panel of international speakers and experts to discuss krill and sustainability at the Omega-3 Symposium in Australia. The Omega-3 Centre and Sydney Fish Market hosted the event to discuss the sustainability of long-chain omega-3 ingredients, the commercial consequences and impact on health benefits.

Discussions ranged from updates on the science behind omega-3 health benefits, to a look at global omega-3 demand and supply including novel sources of long chain omega-3s

"The joint efforts of CCAMLR management, industry and scientific researchers are working together to ensure the fishery for krill is one of the world's best managed fisheries and that the needs of the ecosystem are accounted for," Nicol said, adding the effective management of the krill fishery has likely succeeding in ensuring its sustainability.  "The krill fishery may be the only fishery in the world that is only at 2.3 percent of its potential catch rate. With a highly precautionary management regime, the fishery has operated for 40 years with no indication that it has had any effect on krill stocks or their predators."

In his presentation, Nicol acknowledged, "The krill fishery will always be controversial. Sectors of the krill fishing industry are aware of the concern over harvesting krill and are working together and with conservation groups to ensure that the fishery is sustainable in the long-term and is viewed as such by the general public."  Nicol is also a member of the Aker BioMarine Science Advisory Board (ASB).