llms.txt # www.krillscience.com > A deep dive into the krill biomass and its ecosystem. ## EXPLORE KRILL SCIENCE - [PUBLICATIONS](https://www.krillscience.com/publication):We have gathered and curated two decades of research (2005–2025) covering krill biomass, its ecosystem, and the environmental impacts of harvesting. Use the filters below to narrow down results by year, region, or topic, or search by author and keywords. Each entry includes a summary and highlighted findings to help you quickly identify relevant insights. These insights have been selected and written by the Science Hub Team, with assistance from AI. ## PUBLICATIONS - [Standing stock of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba Dana, 1850) (Euphausiacea) in the Southwest Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, 2018–19](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/standing-stock-of-antarctic-krill-euphausia-superba-dana-1850-eupdahausiacea-in-the-southwest): A comprehensive international survey in 2018-19 found Antarctic krill populations remain stable at 62.6 million tonnes - similar to 2000 levels - with no signs of overall decline despite regional variations. The largest survey ever conducted in the Souther ... - [Estimated summer abundance and krill consumption of fin whales throughout the Scotia Sea during the 2018/2019 summer season](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/estimated-summer-abundance-and-krill-consumption-of-fin-whales-throughout-the-scotia-sea-during) - [The foraging behavior of nonbreeding Adélie penguins in the western Antarctic Peninsula during the breeding season](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/the-foraging-behavior-of-nonbreeding-adelie-penguins-in-the-western-antarctic-peninsula-during) - [No evidence for a decline in the density of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba Dana, 1850, in the Southwest Atlantic sector between 1976 and 2016](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/no-evidence-for-a-decline-in-the-density-of-antarctic-krill-euphausia-superba-dana-1850-in-the) - [Estimating the average distribution of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba at the northern Antarctic Peninsula during austral summer and winter](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/estimating-the-average-distribution-of-antarctic-krill-euphausia-superba-at-the-northern) - [KRILLSCAN: An automated open-source software for processing and analysis of echosounder data from the Antarctic krill fishery](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/krillscan-an-automated-open-source-software-for-processing-and-analysis-of-echosounder-data-from) - [Seasonal acoustic presence of marine mammals at the South Orkney Islands, Scotia Sea](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/seasonal-acoustic-presence-of-marine-mammals-at-the-south-orkney-islands-scotia-sea): This study used passive acoustic monitoring to assess marine mammal presence at the South Orkney Islands during contrasting environmental conditions (2016 El Niño vs. 2017). Seven marine mammal species were detected, including five baleen whale species and ... - [Status of the FIBEX Acoustic Data from the West Atlantic](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/status-of-the-fibex-acoustic-data-from-the-west-atlantic): Re-analysis of FIBEX (First International BIOMASS Experiment) acoustic survey data from the West Atlantic sector found good consistency between four survey vessels (Itzumi, Dr Eduardo L. Holmberg, Odissey, Walther Herwig) despite different acoustic frequen ... - [Morphometric characteristics of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) and finfish bycatch in the krill fishery in the waters of South Orkney Islands during the 2022/23 fishing season](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/morphometric-characteristics-of-antarctic-krill-euphausia-superba-and-finfish-bycatch-in-the): This study analyzed finfish bycatch in Antarctic krill fishery around South Orkney Islands during 2022/23 season. Scientific observers documented 676 finfish specimens, identifying 17 species from 8 families. Three dominant bycatch species (all icefish) an ... - [Observing change in pelagic animals as sampling methods shift: the case of Antarctic krill](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/observing-change-in-pelagic-animals-as-sampling-methods-shift-the-case-of-antarctic-krill): This comprehensive review addresses the challenges of monitoring Antarctic krill populations as sampling methods transition from traditional ship-based surveys to newer technologies like autonomous moorings, gliders, and meta-genetics. While newer methods ... - [Distribution and biomass estimation of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) off the South Orkney Islands during 2011-2020](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/distribution-and-biomass-estimation-of-antarctic-krill-euphausia-superba-off-the-south-orkney) - [Adélie penguins north and east of the 'Adélie gap' continue to thrive in the face of dramatic declines elsewhere in the Antarctic Peninsula region](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/adelie-penguins-north-and-east-of-the-adelie-gap-continue-to-thrive-in-the-face-of-dramatic): This expedition to the northern Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea in 2021/22 surveyed penguin populations in a previously under-monitored region. The study found that Adélie penguin populations north and east of the "Adélie gap" (a 400-km stretch where A ... - [A review of post-whaling abundance, trends, changes in distribution and migration patterns, and supplementary feeding of Southern Hemisphere humpback whales](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/a-review-of-post-whaling-abundance-trends-changes-in-distribution-and-migration-patterns-and): Comprehensive review of 58 studies (1989-2022) documenting Southern Hemisphere humpback whale recovery from commercial whaling that killed ~216,000 individuals (1903-1973). Current abundance estimated at ~114,422 individuals across seven breeding stocks (A ... - [Grym: A new open-source implementation of the generalised yield model for flexible stock assessments](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/grym-a-new-open-source-implementation-of-the-generalised-yield-model-for-flexible-stock): The Grym package successfully replaces the aging FORTRAN-based GYM software with an open-source R implementation that maintains functionality while providing enhanced flexibility and precision. The package reproduces core GYM functionality for fisheries st ... - [Large-scale seabird community structure along oceanographic gradients in the Scotia Sea and northern Antarctic Peninsula](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/large-scale-seabird-community-structure-along-oceanographic-gradients-in-the-scotia-sea-and): This study used cruise vessels as observation platforms to survey seabird communities across the Scotia Sea and Antarctic Peninsula during 2019-2020. The research analyzed community composition, density, and species richness relative to environmental varia ... - [Description and use of parameters within Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) assessment models conducted with the Grym](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/description-and-use-of-parameters-within-antarctic-krill-euphausia-superba-assessment-models): This technical document provides comprehensive guidance for implementing Antarctic krill stock assessments using the Grym R package, which is the re-implementation of CCAMLR's Generalised Yield Model (GYM). The paper addresses a critical knowledge gap by d ... - [Occurrence and Distribution of Fin Whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and Humpback Whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Atlantic Sector of Antarctica](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/occurrence-and-distribution-of-fin-whales-balaenoptera-physalus-and-humpback-whales-megaptera): Visual observations from R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh during January-February 2022 revealed distinct habitat preferences between fin and humpback whales in the Atlantic Antarctic sector. Fin whales showed highest occurrence (up to 2.33 individuals/km) in ... - [Number of the Most Abundant Marine Mammals Species in the Vicinities of the Antarctic Peninsula, Scotia Sea, and Powell Basin](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/number-of-the-most-abundant-marine-mammals-species-in-the-vicinities-of-the-antarctic-peninsula): Russian expeditions in 2020 and 2022 assessed marine mammal abundance in a 343,000 km² area around the Antarctic Peninsula using visual surveys from R/V Akademik Mstislav Keldysh. The study estimated populations of ~1,200 humpback whales, 2,500-2,800 fin w ... - [Ninety years of change, from commercial extinction to recovery, range expansion and decline for Antarctic fur seals at South Georgia](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/ninety-years-of-change-from-commercial-extinction-to-recovery-range-expansion-and-decline-for): This comprehensive study reconstructs 90 years of Antarctic fur seal population dynamics at South Georgia, from near extinction in 1907 to peak abundance around 2007-2009 (3.5 million individuals, ~98% of global population), followed by recent decline. Usi ... - [The enormous repetitive Antarctic krill genome reveals environmental adaptations and population insights](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/the-enormous-repetitive-antarctic-krill-genome-reveals-environmental-adaptations-and-population): This study presents the first chromosome-level genome assembly of Antarctic krill, revealing a massive 48.01 Gb genome - the largest animal genome assembled to date. The enormous size results from extensive repetitive DNA sequences (92.45% of genome), part ... - [Spatiotemporal Overlap of Baleen Whales and Krill Fisheries in the Western Antarctic Peninsula Region](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/spatiotemporal-overlap-of-baleen-whales-and-krill-fisheries-in-the-western-antarctic-peninsula): This study analyzed the spatiotemporal overlap between humpback and minke whales and krill fisheries in the Western Antarctic Peninsula using satellite tracking data from 58 humpback and 19 minke whale tracks (2012-2018) and fishing effort/catch data (2015 ... - [Consumption of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba by mackerel icefish, Champsocephalus gunnari off the South Orkney Islands: filling an information gap in the current ecosystem based management approach](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/consumption-of-antarctic-krill-euphausia-superba-by-mackerel-icefish-champsocephalus-gunnari-off): This study quantified consumption of Antarctic krill by mackerel icefish around the South Orkney Islands under three population scenarios. Current icefish biomass (7,000 t) removes only ~0.07% of available krill, while pre-exploitation levels (140,000 t) w ... - [The Rapid Population Collapse of a Key Marine Predator in the Northern Antarctic Peninsula Endangers Genetic Diversity and Resilience to Climate Change](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/the-rapid-population-collapse-of-a-key-marine-predator-in-the-northern-antarctic-peninsula): The study documents an 86% decline in Antarctic fur seals at Cape Shirreff, South Shetland Islands since 2007, primarily due to leopard seal predation (averaging 69.3% of pups annually since 2010) and declining food availability. The population crash threa ... - [Using seabird and whale distribution models to estimate spatial consumption of krill to inform fishery management](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/using-seabird-and-whale-distribution-models-to-estimate-spatial-consumption-of-krill-to-inform): This study provides the first comprehensive spatial estimates of krill consumption by multiple predator species during austral summer in the Antarctic Peninsula region. Using tracking data, at-sea surveys, and physiological models, researchers mapped consu ... - [Intra-season variations in distribution and abundance of humpback whales in the West Antarctic Peninsula using cruise vessels as opportunistic platforms](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/intra-season-variations-in-distribution-and-abundance-of-humpback-whales-in-the-west-antarctic): This study used tourist cruise ships as research platforms to track humpback whale numbers and locations in the Western Antarctic Peninsula during the 2019/2020 summer season. The findings show whale numbers increased rapidly through December, then leveled ... - [Voluntary actions by the Antarctic krill fishing industry help reduce potential negative impacts on land-based marine predators during breeding, highlighting the need for CCAMLR action](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/voluntary-actions-by-the-antarctic-krill-fishing-industry-help-reduce-potential-negative-impacts): This study documents how Antarctic krill fishing companies voluntarily created buffer zones around important penguin breeding colonies on the Antarctic Peninsula. These industry-led voluntary buffer zones (VBZ) ban krill fishing during penguin breeding sea ... - [Bycatch in the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) trawl fishery](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/bycatch-in-the-antarctic-krill-euphausia-superba-trawl-fishery) - [Un-crewed aerial vehicle population survey of three sympatrically breeding seabird species at Signy Island, South Orkney Islands](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/un-crewed-aerial-vehicle-population-survey-of-three-sympatrically-breeding-seabird-species-at): UAV surveys provide an accurate and less disruptive method for counting seabird populations in Antarctica compared to traditional ground surveys. The study validated UAV methodology against ground counts at Signy Island for three seabird species. UAV count ... - [Multi-scale assessment of distribution and density of procellariiform seabirds within the Northern Antarctic Peninsula marine ecosystem](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/multi-scale-assessment-of-distribution-and-density-of-procellariiform-seabirds-within-the): This study used ship-based surveys and hurdle models to assess the distribution and density of 11 procellariiform seabird species in the Northern Antarctic Peninsula marine ecosystem during summer months (2003-2011). The research revealed two distinct dist ... - [Demographic Reconstruction of Antarctic Fur Seals Supports the Krill Surplus Hypothesis](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/demographic-reconstruction-of-antarctic-fur-seals-supports-the-krill-surplus-hypothesis): Using RAD sequencing and demographic modeling, this study reconstructed the population history of Antarctic fur seals at South Georgia to test the krill surplus hypothesis. The analysis revealed a severe bottleneck during commercial sealing (18th-19th cent ... - [Long-term Trend in Mean Density of Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) Uncertain](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/long-term-trend-in-mean-density-of-antarctic-krill-euphausia-superba-uncertain): This study reexamines conflicting research findings on Antarctic krill population trends in the Southwest Atlantic. Previous analyses of the KRILLBASE dataset had produced contradictory results: one showing significant krill decline (particularly north of ... - [Fifty-year change in penguin abundance on Elephant Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica: results of the 2019–20 census](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/fifty-year-change-in-penguin-abundance-on-elephant-island-south-shetland-islands-antarctica): The 2019-20 census of Elephant Island revealed dramatic changes in penguin populations over 50 years. Chinstrap Penguins declined by 56.7% (from 122,550 to 53,087 breeding pairs), with steeper declines (73.2%) on the southern coastline compared to northern ... - [Corrigenda to: Standing stock of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba Dana, 1850) (Euphausiacea) in the Southwest Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean, 2018–19](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/corrigenda-to-standing-stock-of-antarctic-krill-euphausia-superba-dana-1850-euphausiacea-in-the): This corrigenda document corrects an error in the original publication of the major 2018-19 Antarctic krill biomass survey in the Southwest Atlantic sector. The correction specifically addresses Figure 3, which showed incorrect data in the original manuscr ... - [Density Estimation of Antarctic Krill in the South Shetland Island (Subarea 48.1) Using dB-Difference Method](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/density-estimation-of-antarctic-krill-in-the-south-shetland-island-subarea-48-1-using-db): The study estimated Antarctic krill density in South Shetland Island waters using acoustic dB-difference methodology during April 2016. Mean krill density was 33.65 g m⁻² with 45.97% coefficient of variation across the 90,700 km² survey area. Highest densi ... - [Assessing the recovery of an Antarctic predator from historical exploitation](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/assessing-the-recovery-of-an-antarctic-predator-from-historical-exploitation): Western South Atlantic humpback whales have recovered remarkably from near-extinction, reaching 93% of pre-exploitation abundance by 2019. The population declined from ~27,000 whales in 1830 to only 450 in the mid-1950s due to intensive whaling. Following ... - [Antarctic demersal finfish around the Elephant and the South Orkney islands: distribution, abundance and biological characteristics](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/antarctic-demersal-finfish-around-the-elephant-and-the-south-orkney-islands-distribution): This 2018 bottom trawl survey of demersal finfish around Elephant Island and South Orkney Islands documented 37 species with 19.1 tonnes total catch. Nototheniarossii dominated catches (85%) around Elephant Island, while Gobionotothengibberifronswas most a ... - [Competition-induced starvation drives large-scale population cycles in Antarctic krill](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/competition-induced-starvation-drives-large-scale-population-cycles-in-antarctic-krill) - [Male Antarctic fur seals: neglected food competitors of bioindicator species in the context of an increasing Antarctic krill fishery](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/male-antarctic-fur-seals-neglected-food-competitors-of-bioindicator-species-in-the-context-of-an): This study examined how male Antarctic fur seals, krill fishing boats, and breeding chinstrap penguins use the same ocean areas and resources in Antarctic waters. Researchers found significant overlap between where male fur seals forage for food, where two ... - [Overwinter habitat selection by Antarctic krill under varying sea-ice conditions: implications for top predators and fishery management](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/overwinter-habitat-selection-by-antarctic-krill-under-varying-sea-ice-conditions-implications): This study provides the first winter acoustic estimates of Antarctic krill biomass around the South Shetland Islands, revealing dramatic seasonal redistribution from offshore to coastal areas. Krill biomass in Bransfield Strait was ~5.5 million tonnes in w ... - [Is current management of the Antarctic krill fishery in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean precautionary?](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/is-current-management-of-the-antarctic-krill-fishery-in-the-atlantic-sector-of-the-southern): This study examines whether current Antarctic krill fishing management in the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean is precautionary - meaning it protects the krill population from overfishing. The analysis shows that current management is working well at ... - [Variations in the biomass of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) around the South Shetland Islands, 1996–2006](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/variations-in-the-biomass-of-antarctic-krill-euphausia-superba-around-the-south-shetland-islands): The study re-analyzed 11 years (1996-2006) of acoustic krill biomass data from the South Shetland Islands using improved target strength models and species discrimination algorithms. The new physics-based SDWBA model produced biomass estimates that better ... - [The CCAMLR 2000 Survey: a multinational, multi-ship biological oceanography survey of the Atlantic sector of the Southern Ocean](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/the-ccamlr-2000-survey-a-multinational-multi-ship-biological-oceanography-survey-of-the-atlantic): The CCAMLR 2000 Survey was the first large-scale multinational krill survey since 1979/80, designed to update the 20-year-old biomass estimate used for managing the Antarctic krill fishery. Four ships from Japan, UK, USA, and Russia surveyed 17,424 km of t ... - [The fishery for Antarctic krill – recent developments](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/the-fishery-for-antarctic-krill-recent-developments): The Southern Ocean krill fishery is undergoing major changes as new countries join the industry and technology improves. Historically, the fishery has been limited by costs rather than krill availability - current catches of 210,000 tonnes are far below th ... - [A Compilation of Parameters for Ecosystem Dynamics Models of the Scotia Sea – Antarctic Peninsula Region](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/a-compilation-of-parameters-for-ecosystem-dynamics-models-of-the-scotia-sea-antarctic-peninsula): Comprehensive compilation of ecosystem parameters for 15 Small-Scale Management Units (SSMUs) in Scotia Sea-Antarctic Peninsula region to support krill fishery management models. Fish emerged as dominant krill consumers (47.8 million tonnes total demand), ... - [Managing fisheries to conserve the Antarctic marine ecosystem: practical implementation of the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/managing-fisheries-to-conserve-the-antarctic-marine-ecosystem-practical-implementation-of-the): This paper describes the evolution of ecosystem-based fisheries management under CCAMLR, the first international convention to include ecosystem conservation principles in fisheries objectives. CCAMLR developed from concerns about krill exploitation affect ... - [Options for allocating the precautionary catch limit of krill among small-scale management units in the Scotia Sea](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/options-for-allocating-the-precautionary-catch-limit-of-krill-among-small-scale-management-units): The paper presents five allocation methods for distributing the 4 million tonne precautionary catch limit among 15 small-scale management units in the Scotia Sea. Static options include allocation based on historical catches, predator demand, krill standin ... - [Stepping stones towards Antarctica: Switch to southern spawning grounds explains an abrupt range shift in krill](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/stepping-stones-towards-antarctica-switch-to-southern-spawning-grounds-explains-an-abrupt-range): Antarctic krill showed an unexpected ~1000 km southwestward range shift during a period of surface warming hiatus (1990s-2010s), not during the preceding 70 years of rapid warming. This abrupt shift was driven by changes in spawning success at different lo ... - [Biomass of Antarctic krill in the Scotia Sea in January/February 2000 and its use in revising an estimate of precautionary yield](https://www.krillscience.com/publication/biomass-of-antarctic-krill-in-the-scotia-sea-in-january-february-2000-and-its-use-in-revising-an): The CCAMLR-2000 Survey conducted the second large-scale assessment of Antarctic krill biomass in the Scotia Sea using standardized acoustic methods across four research vessels. The survey estimated krill biomass at 44.3 million tonnes with mean density of ...