An alarming setback in ecosystem-based management of krill fishing noted at the 43rd annual meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. The Antarctic krill Euphausia superba, a small pelagic crustacean that whales in particular feed on, is a major component of the Southern Ocean food web. With an estimated biomass of between 300 and 500 million tons, this source of marine protein could ultimately make a significant contribution to global food security. Rich in fatty acids reputed to be beneficial to health and a staple food for fish farming, krill is increasingly fished and the krill industry is set to develop considerably over the coming decades. This growing demand is sparking a wave of interest, with some companies (Norway’s Aker Qrill, China’s Liaoyu Group) and the government of the Russian Federation announcing the construction of new factory ships.
Author: Marie-Noëlle Houssais ; Laurent Mayet for POLAR WATCH.
This article is available on the Cercle Polaire website.
The French version is available here.