The key role of krill in the ecosystem of the Southern Ocean with special reference to the Convention on the conservation of Antarctic marine living Resources

Abstract

The salient features of the Southern Ocean ecosystem are detailed and its special characteristics are outlined. The key role of krill (principally Euphausia superba) is emphasized. The current state of knowledge of the living resources, with special reference to krill, squid, fish, and whales, is detailed.

Information on exploitation of these resources with special reference to the past two decades is analyzed and the impact of this exploitation on the stocks of krill, fish, and whales is evaluated. Ecosystem changes following the decline in whale stocks are detailed and potential ecosystem changes that may result from intensive krill harvesting are considered.

The history of the development of the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources is outlined and the salient features of the Convention are discussed. This Convention is unique among fisheries conventions, in that it adopts an ecosystem approach to the management of living resources. The main features of this Convention are outlined and the management principles that stem from it are detailed. Problems involved in the adoption of an ecosystem-management approach are considered.

Finally, the information needs for management are examined with special reference to the international BIOMASS research programme. The prospects for achieving the objectives of the Convention are considered.