Reducing Krill Population

Question 1

What are krill?

Answer 1

Tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that underpin the entire food web of the Southern Ocean

Krill are crucial for the survival of various species in the Antarctic region.

Question 2

Which species depend on krill in the Antarctic region?

Answer 2

• Seabirds
• Penguins
• Seals
• Whales
• Toothfish

A loss in krill biomass will affect most other species.

Question 3

What are the primary uses of krill?

Answer 3

• Healthy protein food in East Asia
• Health food supplement (krill oil) worldwide

Krill oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and valuable for astaxanthin.

Question 4

What is the price range for krill oil capsules?

Answer 4

As much as £40 for 100 capsules for red krill oil

Krill oil is marketed as a health supplement.

Question 5

What is the potential consequence of unsustainable krill fishing?

Answer 5

A krill population crash, which would have a catastrophic impact on the Antarctic ecosystem

The sudden demand for krill products has led to increased fishing.