Industrial fishing for krill in Antarctic waters is endangering one of the world's last great wildernesses, according to a new report by Greenpeace. The study analysed the movements of krill fishing vessels and found they are increasingly operating near penguin colonies and whale feeding grounds. It also highlighted incidents of groundings, oil spills and accidents involving fishing boats, posing a serious threat to the fragile ecosystem.
Krill, a key part of the Antarctic food chain, feed on marine algae and are a vital food source for whales, penguins and seals. They also help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, krill populations have declined by 80% since the 1970s due to climate change and industrial-scale fishing. A recent study warned that penguin populations could drop by almost one-third by the end of the century as a result.
Greenpeace is calling for an immediate halt to fishing in areas being considered for ocean sanctuary status. A global campaign seeks to create a network of protected zones, including a proposed 1.8m sq km reserve in the Weddell Sea and another sanctuary west of the Antarctic peninsula, a key krill fishing area. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) will decide on the Weddell Sea proposal in October.
Frida Bengtsson of Greenpeace's Protect the Antarctic campaign urged the krill industry to voluntarily withdraw from proposed sanctuary areas. Keith Reid, a science manager at CCAMLR, said the organisation seeks a balance between protection and sustainable fishing, noting that fishing near penguin colonies often occurs later in the season when colonies are empty. Cilia Holmes of krill fishing company Aker BioMarines expressed willingness to work with environmental groups to protect the region.
