This small shrimp-like organism may weigh little more than a large paper clip, but its crucial role in the icy Antarctic ecosystem is indisputable.

The Latest...

• Antarctic Treaty celebrates 50th anniversary of Treaty signing
  The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) - the major annual diplomatic event related to Antarctica – kicks off its annual meeting today, April 6th, 2009. The AKCP calls on signatories to the Treaty to fully reengage on the critical issues impacting the Antarctica and to Antarctic krill, the keystone species of the Antarctic food chain. Read the AKCP's press release from opening day of this momentous meeting.
  
  

  The AKCP partners, the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition, are experts at the ATCM meeting. You can read their official informational paper on ATCM's role in protecting the Antarctic Marine Ecosystem here and other papers and posters for the ATCM here.
  

• Tele-Press Briefing on Upcoming Historic Polar Meetings
  Pew Environment Group and the World Wildlife Fund led a press conference call to preview the first-ever joint Arctic Council/Antarctic Treaty Ministerial Meeting on April 6, 2009 and the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting which runs for the following 10 days.



• Krill Industry Report
  The Krill Industry Report provides information and commentaries on the Antarctic krill industry including krill oil, nutricueticals, and krill products used for farmed fish feed. Latest issue: February, 2009




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Our Last Great Wilderness Is In Danger

Antarctica is the last great wilderness and home to exceptional concentrations of wildlife, including penguins, whales, seals and albatrosses. Though small in stature, krill's role in the region's ecosystem is enormous. "Krill are the glue that binds the Antarctic food web," serving as the principal food source for predator species that live there. Increasing interest in krill as fish food for industrially farmed fish, and for its high-value oils used in nutritional supplements, is triggering an expansion of the fishery that could outpace efforts to protect predators that depend on krill.

In addition, krill populations are very vulnerable to climate change, which risks profound impacts for Antarctica. With an agreed statement of principles and core goals to guide its work, the Antarctic Krill Conservation Project has enumerated core elements of an ecosystem-based management package [PDF] that are needed for the Antarctic krill fishery. Looking to the future, without these and other reforms, we risk irreversible harm to this unique and wonderful wilderness.

Antarctic Krill Conservation Project

This network of international organizations is dedicated to the protection of Antarctic krill to help conserve the region's marine ecosystem and living resources. It is a cooperative effort worldwide, working with CCAMLR nations, scientists and other key stakeholders. Please join us as we seek to protect this small, but vital species.

Icescape photo courtesy U.S. Antarctic Program
Krill Library