The krill oil market is set to experience triple digit growth in the next few years as consumers learn about its unique health benefits, biotech firm Aker BioMarine has predicted.

Krill are small shrimp-like crustaceans containing a potent mix of the long chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, phospholipids and astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant.

They are also surprisingly high in protein and contain a high percentage of essential amino acids.

Aker BioMarine, which has developed a novel technique for harvesting krill in the Antarctic called 'eco harvesting', will be launching dietary supplements in 2008 and food ingredients in 2009, said product manager Henrik Traaholt.

"We harvest krill directly into the ship, which makes it possible to process the fresh raw material and maintain superior product quality."

Eco harvesting allows fishing nets to stay under water during the entire operation.

By contrast, traditional harvesting methods involve heaving trawls up on deck and emptying them into holding tanks before processing, which can cause enzymatic degradation, claimed Traaholt.

Penguins and seals also got caught up in the process - something that eco-harvesting could eliminate altogether, he said.

While consumer awareness of the benefits of krill oil was low, it was growing rapidly as studies were published suggesting that krill could be a powerful weapon in the fight against cardiovascular disease and chronic inflammation, he said.