Antarctic krill

Krill are small, shrimplike marine crustaceans belonging to the order Euphausiacea. They range in size from about 8 to 60 mm (0.25 to 2 inches) and are known for their bioluminescent organs. Krill are crucial to Antarctic marine food chains, serving as a primary food source for various fish, birds, and whales.1

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) are particularly abundant, forming dense swarms in the Antarctic Ocean. These swarms can reach concentrations of up to 20 kg per cubic meter. Their populations have declined due to climate change, which reduces sea-ice coverage, impacting the phytoplankton they feed on.1

Krill are also harvested for human consumption, valued for their rich content of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. However, concerns exist that overfishing could negatively affect Antarctic wildlife populations that depend on krill.1