Antarctic krill could decline as ocean temps rise

Antarctic krill (Credit: British Antarctic Survey)

A new study from the British Antarctic Survey and Plymouth Marine Laboratory shows that climate change could facilitate the decline of Antarctic krill, according to a release from the British Antarctic Survey.

Krill play an essential role in the food chain of the Southern Ocean. They are the primary food source for many species of whale, seals, penguins and fish.

However, recent statistical models projected temperature increases in the Weddell Sea, Scotia Sea and Southern Drake Passage could reduce the krill population by as much as 55 percent in some areas.

The models were constructed using equations that tied krill populations to sea surface temperature and food availability.

Image: Antarctic krill (Credit: British Antarctic Survey)