Aker BioMarine to support Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund with $1 million grant over five-year period

Aker BioMarine (Oslo, Norway) has announced its $1 million commitment to support the Antarctic Wildlife Research Fund (AWR) over the next five years. AWR facilitates and promotes research on the Antarctic’s ecosystem, and has financed 20 research projects and 15 host institutions since its establishment in 2015. AWR was established by Aker BioMarine, the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, and WWF-Norway.

“Aker BioMarine has taken a leading role in the development and utilization of Antarctic krill resources. We have committed to having a positive impact on human health, without compromising the health of the planet. To succeed, we need to have the science and data available to make solid decisions on how to take best care of the ecosystem in which we work. AWR was created to ensure a resilient Antarctica, where the management of all natural resources depends on up-to-date knowledge. The funding will help secure the work on promoting and facilitating high-quality research,” said Matts Johansen, CEO at Aker BioMarine, in a press release.

"Although we have learned a lot about Antarctic ecosystems in recent decades, many data gaps still exist, particularly as climate change impacts in the region accelerate. Projects funded by AWR will increase our ability to make precautionary management decisions based on the most up to date information, and protect the long-term health of the ecosystem in the Southern Ocean," said Claire Christian, the chair of AWR's board.