Early Closure of Antarctic Krill Fishery Raises Concerns
MIAMI — The krill fishery near Antarctica has been shut down earlier than usual after the amount caught exceeded the seasonal limit for the first time. This unexpected move highlights the growing challenges faced by this critical fishery, known for providing essential food for whales and supporting the fight against climate change.
The International organization responsible for managing this fishery, known as the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), confirmed that the fishery would close for the 2024-25 season due to the catch reaching 620,000 metric tons well before the season was supposed to end in December.
Last year, countries including the U.S., Russia, and China were unable to agree on a new management plan aimed at regulating krill fishing. This plan would have spread out the fishing areas and set aside a significant reserve in the sensitive Antarctic Peninsula region.
With no new regulations in place, large fishing vessels were allowed to catch krill freely, even in smaller habitats that many marine animals rely on. Recent reports revealed that the krill catch through June of this year was nearly 60% higher than last season’s total, raising alarms about the sustainability of this fishery.
Krill are a major part of the marine ecosystem, boasting an estimated biomass of 63 million metric tons. However, increased fishing practices, climate change, and rising demand for krill products, such as omega-3 supplements, have intensified pressure on these crucial stocks. In the current season, a fleet consisting of 12 trawlers primarily from Norway and China managed to harvest 498,350 tons of krill, marking the largest catch since record-keeping began in 1973.
The impact of commercial fishing extends beyond just numbers; there have been reported fatalities within marine life, including three humpback whales that were found dead or injured in nets used by fishing boats.
Research is increasingly showing that krill are not just vital for marine food chains, but they actively contribute to combating climate change. Studies estimate that krill help remove and store 20 million tons of carbon from the atmosphere each year, a contribution equivalent to taking five million cars off the roads annually.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that careful management of krill fishing is essential for both marine ecosystems and the global environment. The hope is that more responsible measures will be put in place to ensure the sustainability of this crucial resource moving forward.
