Our Mission
The Association of Responsible Krill harvesting companies, ARK, brings together the krill fishing industry
1. to foster the development of a sustainable fishery on Antarctic krill
2. to coordinate and cooperate with the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) on the provision of research and information on krill and the krill fishery
3. to support scientific research and educational initiatives of CCAMLR to manage the krill fishery on a sustainable basis.
What we do -
ARK understands that Antarctic krill is essential for the functioning of the Antarctic ecosystem. As such, our primary goal is to develop practices for the long-term sustainability of the krill fishery and its dependant predators.
ARK participates actively in all CCAMLR-related workshops for the advancement of the krill fishery management, providing insight on fishery operations, research opportunities and limitations. Scientists, CCAMLR delegations and NGOs have emphasized the necessity for more scientific data on krill and the ecosystem. Accordingly, ARK initiatives focus on collecting much-needed data and developing best fishing practices.
In progressing towards stronger cooperation in the whole krill fishing fleet ARK—
provides a hub for education, understanding and outreach of CCAMLR’s ecosystem approach and the scientific requirements for the sustainable management of the krill fishery
promotes the implementation of research initiatives for a sustainable harvest of Antarctic krill
promotes the implementation of best practices in the fishery, including the adoption of 100% observer coverage.
As a result of ARK’s commitment to best practices, being an ARK Member has become a requisite to operate in the South Georgia fishery.
ARK coordinates and cooperates with CCAMLR on the provision of research and information on krill, the fishery and its effect on the ecosystem, with the aim of contributing to CCAMLR’s work on managing the krill fishery sustainably.
ARK’s vision for the support of a sustainable fishery
ARK contributes actively to the management of the krill fishery by —
Conducting annual transects in selected areas, following scientific advice from the Scientific Committee of CCAMLR (SC-CAMLR);
Carrying out large-scale surveys to assess the overall status of the krill population;
Implementing Voluntary Restricted Zones (VRZs) to protect sensitive penguin breeding areas;
Actively supporting CCAMLR workshops focused on advancing krill fishery management, including efforts to establish a Marine Protected Area (MPA) in Domain 1.
CCAMLR scientists who are interested in any research activities being undertaken by ARK members, or who have proposals for collaborative research, should contact ARK directly. Scientists are also invited to suggest the types of research they would like to see being conducted on fishing vessels.
Our Members
The Association of Responsible Krill harvesting companies (ARK) is the main reference for information on the krill fishery.
Founded in 2012, ARK brings together 10 krill fishing companies from 4 CCAMLR member countries. The total fishing capacity of ARK members represents over 90% of all krill catches in CCAMLR waters.