QUALITY OF RED ANTARCTIC KRILL OIL

by Norway Omega | 01/17/2022 | Blog

Contents

WHAT IS KRILL OIL?

Superba Krill™ are extracted from the Antarctic krill species Euphausia Superba. Krill are small shrimp-like crustaceans packed full of health promoting long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA & DHA), as well as other substances such Astaxanthin, Choline and Phospholipids. All of these make Krill an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and the health benefits associated with them.

WHAT MAKES KRILL SO UNIQUE?

Antarctic Superba Krill oil’s natural combination and concentration of four key nutrients make it really stand out in the supplement market.

A growing body of evidence demonstrates krill oil’s beneficial effects on health across multiple categories, thanks to the additional elements like Astaxanthin or Choline, krill oil has even more beneficial effects on your body and mind.

Below we will explain these four key nutrients in more detail:

A Swarm of Antarctic Krill

 

1. OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS EPA & DHA

These essential fatty acids are one of the most researched nutrients, with a wide range of health benefits  for your heart, eyes, liver and brain. These omega-3 fatty acids are also present in fish oil supplements, but these are different from krill oil.

2. PHOSPHOLIPIDS

Phospholipids help omega-3s integrate into the cell membranes and may be a better delivery form to the body’s organs than other marine oils.

3. CHOLINE

Choline is an essential nutrient vital for many body functions such as nerve signaling, liver and muscle functioning. Our body can’t make enough, therefore we must obtain it from our diet.

4. ASTAXANTHIN

This natural antioxidant gives krill oil its beautiful red color. It also protects the oil from oxidation, eliminating the need to add preservatives.

WHAT ARE KRILL?

About the same size as an average paper clip, Antarctic Krill spend most of their life feeding on microscopic algae and play a key role in the oceans ecosystem, being an integral part of the survival of many marine species.

WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?

Krill are present in most oceans around the world, however, they gather together in huge swarms in Antarctica to feed on microscopic algae. This makes it possible to harvest this powerful and nutrient rich little crustacean. Living in the pristine and unpolluted waters of the Southern Ocean means Antarctic krill are virtually free of environmental contaminants and toxins.
The sustainability of the krill fishery and the Antarctic Eco-system is our top priority to ensure minimal impact on the marine species.

A map of Antarctica, centred on the South Pole and noting all the mountains and their heights and as far out as the ice shelf and surrounding seas.

The Anarctic is a special place and we hold a responsibility to ensure its conservation. It is essential that all current and future fishing proceeds with the utmost sustainability, collecting data and contributing positively to the management process. It is imperative that a sustainable system is always incorporated for the best interest of the ecosystem.

KRILL, ONE OF THE MOST ABUNDANT SPECIES

There are an estimated to be between 120 to 600 tonnes of krill making them amongst the most abundant species on the planet.

Antarctic Krill swim in vast dense swarms that can stretch for miles. Swarming Krill are attractive and easy to catch and in huge abundance

Being able to trust that your krill oil comes from a sustainable and traceable source is crucial in order to ensure you are operating responsibly and using the best ingredients.

  • LIMITED TO 0.3% OF KRILL IS HARVESTED ANNUALLY FROM PARADISE BAY, ANTARCTIC

This is why we have adopted The Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) “boat to plate” mentality, becoming the first krill oil supplier to be MSC certified.

 

A RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE CONSERVATION

Here are some of the steps we are taking, to ensure the highest degree of sustainability in our production and to maximise the protection of the environment.

 

1. A POWERFUL TRACEABILITY TOOL THAT LETS YOU TRACE THE KRILL

Antarctic krill exist in a vast area estimated to be at least 19 million Km2 (approx. 7 million square miles), which is more than twice the area of the U.S. (Atkinson et al., 2009).

  • 100% COMPREHENSIVE TRACEABILITY – MODERN DAY KRILL FISHING METHODS

2. THE ANTARCTIC KRILL FISHERY IS ONE OF THE MOST SUSTAINABLY MANAGED IN THE WORLD

Antarctic Krill are small crustaceans located in the Southern Oceans, krill are present in most oceans, but only Antarctic Krill are located in Antarctica. Krill are a key species in the Antarctic ecosystem that feed directly on the phytoplankton (algea), which is a source of omega-3 oil and protein.

The Krill feed on ice trapped algae, which is where their high levels of Omega 3 are naturally sourced from.

Because of the low levels of contaminants in the Antarctic Ocean, krill are virtually free of any pollutants. Moreover, it is a renewable, abundant and sustainable source, which makes it one of the largest marine food sources on earth.

STRICTLY REGULATED

The assigned Krill fishing vessels are using the latest technology for collecting scientific data and research for managing any changes in krill supply.

Catch limits are calculated for each area by determining the long term annual yield, basing the catch limit on a percentage to 0.3% of the total mass in the South Atlantic. With the catch limits being applied to all the areas following up to date surveys.

  • Strictly regulated by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).

 3. 100% TRANSPARENT SUPPLY CHAIN

All Krill are provided with 100% transparency from “sea to shelf”, Aker, Norway are the only company to hold the Marine Stewardship Council certification.

Drawing on over 150 years of Norwegian expertise in fishing and marine oil refinement. The Antarctic Krill fishery is one of the most sustainably managed fisheries in the world.

CONCLUSION: OUR EFFORTS FOR 100% SUSTAINABLE AND TRACEABLE INGREDIENTS

CERTIFIED by The MARINE STEWARD COUNCIL

MSC ranked as the leading eco-label for seafood products. To achieve this Fishing Management, Methodology and the impact of Krill Stock are assessed.

MSC certification requires maintaining a commitment to research in sustainable management of the resources.

In our production process, we use the following step to reduce our impact on the environment and be as sustainable as possible.

ONBOARD PROCESSING

In terms of its operation, the equipment stays under water while a continuous stream of water through the hose, bringing the krill live and fresh directly into the factory vessel, which allows for immediate processing onboard of fresh raw material for superior product quality.

MARINE WORLD FIRST

Aker’s Eco-Harvesting®  ONBOARD fishing system allows the fishing net to stay under water during the entire operation. Independent observers have verified that the proprietary technology and novel harvesting method ensures no bycatch of other species than Euphausia superba.

  • ALONGSIDE, AKER BIOMARINE, THE FIRST MARINE STEWARD CERTIFIED KRILL OIL BRAND, SUSTAINABLE PRACTISE IS AT THE CORE.  

By controlling the entire supply chain, from harvesting krill up to production we are able to guarantee the highest level of quality for our brand Superba™ Krill. Part of that guarantee is our ability to trace all end-products back to the exact location of harvest through our state of the art GPS system onboard our vessels.