Antarctic Krill Oil DX contains 42% phospholipids that carry the bonded omega-3 essential fatty acids, DHA & EPA, directly to your cell membranes. Along with naturally occurring astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant, Antarctic Krill Oil DX supports optimal neural and heart function while providing a healthy inflammation response for joints. Harvested from sustainable sources.
Antarctic krill(Euphausia superba) is a small shrimp-like crustacean that exists in large swarms. It attains an individual maximum size of 2 inches and feeds mainly on phytoplankton or sea ice algae.
Krill is the staple food of many mammals, fish, and sea birds in the Southern Oceans. These creatures are natural sources of EPA, DHA, astaxanthin, and choline. According to recent reports, the total krill biomass is estimated at over 500 million tons. This is estimated to be roughly twice the weight of all 6.7 billion humans on the planet.
The vast majority of krill are harvested for use in the aquaculture and pet food industries. Krill for direct human consumption, in the form of krill oil supplements, amounts to less than 0.1% of the precautionary catch limit set by CCAMLR.
Krill Sustainability Facts
Why the Krill Ecosystem is sustainable
As looming pressures continue on fish as an Omega-3 source, it is suggested that Krill can meet the demands needed by 2012 before reaching the theoretical supply limits.
Projected Krill Harvested
How the Krill Fisheries are managed
The krill fishery is managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which comprises of 25 member states. CCAMLR sets allowable catch limits, agrees on access and makes other management decisions within a precautionary, conservative framework. CCAMLR processes and decisions are underpinned by advice from its Scientific Committee and working groups.
Krill Biomass Size
CCAMLR estimates that to the total biomass of krill in our harvested area is 37 million metric tons, although some scientists estimate as high as 208 million metric tons (MT). In 2008, the total allowable catch, (TAC) was only 3.47 MT.
CCAMLR has set a precautionary catch limit limited to 620,000 tons; only 18 percent of the current TAC (total allowable catch). Once the limit is reached, all fishing stops until the overall remaining catch is reallocated over smaller areas within the area harvested (Trigger Limits). This rule was designed to prevent localized depletion of krill and the linked impact on localized krill predators, including penguins, fur seals, whales and others. Fortunately the catch levels have usually not approached the 620,000 trigger limit in the past 10 years of harvesting; only averaging 118,000 tons annually. Current catch levels are at around 4 percent of allowable catch.
How Krill Biomass is used
Of the global catch, 43% is used for aquaculture feed and 45% is for sport fishing bait; totally 88% for fish and fishing. 12% is for human consumption, leaving less than 2% of the total used in dietary supplements or 2,000 MT (metric tons).
Summary of Krill Biomass and Catch
- Estimated total biomass of krill in harvested area is 37-208 million MT (metric tons)
- In 2008, total allowable catch (TAC) was 3.47 million MT
- Trigger limit is set at 620,000 metric tons
- Catch levels have not approached the 620,000 trigger limit
- Current catch levels are at around 4 percent of TAC
- Almost 90% of the catch is used for aquaculture/fishing
- Less than 2% used for human food supplements
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