A Tiny Species Is Driving a Big Shift in Ocean Protection

The UK’s nutraceutical industry is beginning to phase out krill-based products, recognising the species’ vital role in ocean ecosystems and taking steps to reduce pressure on Antarctic wildlife.

“Protecting Antarctica demands decisive leadership across the entire nutraceutical industry,” said Peter Hammarstedt, Chief Campaigns Officer at Sea Shepherd Global.

Krill are a cornerstone of the Antarctic food web, feeding whales, penguins and seals, yet densities in key areas may have fallen by up to 80% since the 1970s. In response, companies like Time Health have committed to phasing out krill-derived products, joining retailers such as Holland & Barrett and dm-drogerie markt. The shift signals a growing movement to align business practices with ecosystem protection, helping safeguard one of the planet’s most important marine species and the wider ocean balance it supports.