Bob Brown Foundation Targets Chemist Warehouse Over Krill Oil

Environmental activists have placed protest stickers on High Strength Krill Oil products at multiple Chemist Warehouse stores across Australia.

The stickers, which read "Stop Krilling Antarctica" and include a QR code, are part of a campaign by the Bob Brown Foundation to raise awareness about the environmental impact of krill harvesting.

"Stop Krilling Antarctica" — Protest sticker on krill oil products

The Campaign

The Foundation is targeting Chemist Warehouse due to its dominance as a supplement retailer in Australia. Briony Venn, marine campaign organiser for the Bob Brown Foundation, described the supplement as "totally unnecessary" and suggested consumers switch to algae-based alternatives instead.

The Environmental Concerns

Over 500,000 tonnes of krill are harvested from Antarctica annually. Krill oil is a popular Omega-3 supplement, but conservation groups—including WWF and the Captain Paul Watson Foundation—have raised serious concerns about the practice.

Key worries include:

• The impact on whales, penguins, and seals
• The effect of climate change reducing Antarctic sea ice
• Calls from conservation groups for a moratorium on harvesting

Industry Response

The krill oil industry, including major harvester Aker BioMarine, claims the fishery is sustainable. Swisse, the brand targeted in the protest, has previously stated that its supplier is certified by the Marine Stewardship Council, ensuring sustainability practices are followed.

No Comment

Chemist Warehouse declined to comment on the protest stickers, while Swisse did not respond to inquiries regarding the campaign.

The Bob Brown Foundation continues to push for greater awareness, using direct action to highlight what they see as an unnecessary and environmentally damaging industry.