This small shrimp-like organism may weigh little more than a large paper clip, but its crucial role in the icy Antarctic ecosystem is indisputable.
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Join the Penguin Mosaic Project!
Show that you care about Antarctic krill and the penguins, whales, seals, and fish that depend on it by adding your picture to an inter- national photo mosaic of a penguin. This mosaic will be delivered to delegates at the meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources in Tasmania next month. Learn more and submit your photo
Antarctica is the last great wilderness and home to exceptional concentrations of wildlife, including penguins, whales, seals and albatrosses. Though small in stature, krill's role in the region's ecosystem is enormous. "Krill are the glue that binds the Antarctic food web," serving as the principal food source for predator species that live there. Increasing interest in krill as fish food for industrially farmed fish, and for its high-value oils used in nutritional supplements, is triggering an expansion of the fishery that could outpace efforts to protect predators that depend on krill.
In addition, krill populations are very vulnerable to climate change, which risks profound impacts for Antarctica. With an agreed statement of principles and core goals to guide its work, the Antarctic Krill Conservation Project has enumerated core elements of an ecosystem-based management package [PDF] that are needed for the Antarctic krill fishery. Looking to the future, without these and other reforms, we risk irreversible harm to this unique and wonderful wilderness.
Antarctic Krill Conservation Project
This network of international organizations is dedicated to the protection of Antarctic krill to help conserve the region's marine ecosystem and living resources. It is a cooperative effort worldwide, working with CCAMLR nations, scientists and other key stakeholders. Please join us as we seek to protect this small, but vital species.
