Context

The krill fishery in the Southern Ocean was closed ahead of schedule after exceeding the seasonal catch limit of 620,000 metric tonnes, marking the first time the quota has been breached.

About Krill

• Krill are small, shrimp-like crustaceans classified under the order Euphausiacea, found in oceans globally.
• Antarctic krill are the dominant species in the Southern Ocean ecosystem.

Ecological Role

• Krill serve as a keystone species, forming a crucial link in the marine food chain. They consume phytoplankton and provide nourishment to larger marine animals such as baleen whales, seals, penguins, squid, seabirds, and various fish species.

Importance

• Krill oil, derived from these crustaceans, is a popular dietary supplement rich in omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA, which krill accumulate from their algae-based diet.
• Research indicates that krill play a significant role in carbon sequestration, removing approximately 20 million tons of carbon from the atmosphere annually.

Source: Indian Express