Top Antarctic Krill Fishing Countries

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) are small, shrimp-like crustaceans that form vast swarms in the Southern Ocean and are a crucial part of the Antarctic food web, serving as a primary food source for whales, seals, penguins, and fish. The krill fishing industry targets these crustaceans mainly for use in aquaculture feed, nutritional supplements, and pharmaceuticals due to their high omega-3 content. The top countries engaged in Antarctic krill fishing are Norway, China, South Korea, and Chile, operating under strict quotas set by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) to prevent overfishing and protect the ecosystem. Norway leads the industry with advanced vessels and processing technology, while China and South Korea have significantly increased their catch in recent years. These countries' fleets operate primarily in the Scotia Sea and around the Antarctic Peninsula, where krill densities are highest.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.