Takeaways from AP's reporting on Antarctica's burgeoning krill fishery

abcnews.go.com:

The waters around Antarctica are emerging as a battleground between industry and activists as advances in technology and new demand for krill as a dietary supplement drive more and more fishing of the shrimp-like crustacean

ABOARD THE ALLANKAY off Antarctica — The frigid waters around Antarctica are emerging as a major battleground between industry and activists as advances in technology and new demand for krill as a dietary supplement drive more and more fishing of the shrimp-like crustacean.

That has some scientists warning that stricter controls must be put in place so krill can continue its vital role as a buffer against climate change and sustenance for whales, penguins and other marine mammals. But any further action is mired in geopolitical wrangling as Russia and China look to quickly expand catch limits in the remote waters.

Two Associated Press journalists spent more than two weeks at sea in March aboard a conservation vessel operated by Sea Shepherd Global to take a rare, up-close look at the world’s southernmost fishery.

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This story was supported by funding from the Walton Family Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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WHAT IS KRILL?

Tiny but bountiful, Antarctic krill make up one of the planet’s largest biomasses, nourishing everything from fish to giant humpback whales.

Lesser known is krill’s important role fighting climate change by feeding on even smaller marine algae that absorb greenhouse gases burned by humans.

In this way, krill remove as much as 23 megatons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year, according to new research published by the World Wildlife Fund. That’s the equivalent of taking off the road 5 million cars every year.

“Krill are worth more to nature and