Distribution and abundance of krill in various areas of the Southern Ocean: dataset compilation based on samples collected in CHINARE during 2009–2019

Fang, Xiaoyue and Hu, Shugang and Wang, Yanqing and Zhang, Zishang and Tao, Zhencheng and Yang, Guang (2024) Distribution and abundance of krill in various areas of the Southern Ocean: dataset compilation based on samples collected in CHINARE during 2009–2019. Advances in Polar Science, 35 (3). pp. 370-384.

PDF - Published Version Download (14MB)

Abstract

This study investigates the composition, abundance, and basic biological parameters of krill in Prydz Bay, Antarctic Peninsula and Amundsen Sea by analyzing samples and environmental data from the Chinese National Antarctic Research Expeditions conducted between 2009/2010 and 2019/2020. The predominant krill species observed were Euphausia superba, Euphausia crystallorophias, and Thysanoessa macrura. T. macrura, although the most widespread, exhibited the lowest mean abundance (9.96 ind·(1000 m–3)) and biomass (0.31 g·(1000 m–3)), predominantly found in low-latitude regions of the Amundsen Sea while E. crystallorophias was most concentrated in polynyas of Prydz Bay. E. superba, with an average abundance of 34.05 ind·(1000 m–3) and biomass of 11.80 g·(1000 m–3), was mainly distributed in the Antarctic Peninsula and Prydz Bay. This study also identified regional variations in mean body length and frequency distributions of krill. The relationship between krill body length and wet weight followed a power-law pattern. Regional differences were observed in the relationship between krill abundance, biomass, and environmental factors with varying correlations. In the Amundsen Sea, no significant correlation was found between krill abundance and environmental factors. Notably, E. crystallorophias in Prydz Bay demonstrated a significant positive correlation with chlorophyll a concentration, while T. macrura abundance and biomass in the Antarctic Peninsula exhibited a significant negative correlation with ice-free days. The findings contribute valuable regional data on krill distribution, abundance, and biomass in the Southern Ocean, serving as foundational information for the conservation of the Southern Ocean ecosystem and Antarctic krill fishery management on a circumpolar scale.

Item Type:	Article
Related URLs:
Keywords:	Southern Ocean, krill, Euphausia superba, biomass, dataset
Subjects:	Natural Environment > Oceans
Organizations:	Unspecified
Date Deposited:	06 Jan 2025 10:11
URI:	http://library.arcticportal.org/id/eprint/2852

Actions (login required)

View Item