Penguins and Krill: Life in a Changing Ocean

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Populations of Adélie and chinstrap penguin in the West Antarctic Peninsula/Scotia Sea have declined more than 50% during the last 30 years. Changes in the abundance of their main prey – Antarctic krill – as a result of climate-driven changes could be the cause of this reduction of penguin populations. As the extent of the impact of climate change on krill populations remains uncertain, the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR; www.ccamlr.org) should keep a precautionary approach in the management of the krill fishery to secure the protection of penguins. This paper provides an overview of current challenges in the management of the Antarctic krill fishery so as to maintain krill availability to penguins in key areas.

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