5 February 2008 - Krill
are one of the most abundant animal species
on the planet. Only two inches long, Antarctic
krill are a primary food source for the
world's largest animals, and the foundation
of the food web in the world's coldest place.
Antarctic scientist
Dr Andrew Constable has been awarded a 2008
Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation to
help ensure that the rapidly growing Antarctic
krill fishery will not impact negatively
on the recovery of threatened whale populations
or the survival of other Antarctic creatures.
Dr Constable says that
krill are increasingly sought by commercial
fishing fleets for use in fish-food, pharmaceutical
applications, and human consumption.
"Most of the larger
Antarctic animals, the seals, whales and
seabirds as well as less well known fish
and squid, depend directly or indirectly
on Antarctic krill as a food source. There
is rising concern that the dual threats
of climate change and overfishing will lead
to the collapse of the krill population
and perilous impacts to the ecosystem,"
said Dr Constable.
Dr Constable, a leader
in the Antarctic Marine Ecosystems Program
of the Australian Antarctic Division and
the Cooperative Research Centre for Antarctic
Climate and Ecosystems (ACE CRC), will use
his Fellowship to create a flexible fishery
management model that takes a whole ecosystem
approach to krill management.
"As factors such
as predator numbers, krill abundance and
climatic conditions change over time, this
computer-based model will allow us to see
the impact of tightening or loosening krill
fishery restrictions so that we can minimise
negative effects on the Antarctic ecosystem.
"Climate change
also adds a degree of uncertainty when trying
to assess sustainable rates of krill harvesting.
Given the rapid expansion of the krill fishery,
it is urgent that we design an effective
and inclusive management strategy to allow
sustainable harvesting of krill populations
while also preserving the unique web of
life in the Antarctic."
Dr Constable is among
five of the world's most innovative and
progressive thinkers in ocean science to
receive this highly competitive three-year,
US$150,000 Fellowship in support of critical
marine environment conservation initiatives
around the world.
The Pew Fellowship
in Marine Conservation has been awarded
to more than 100 leading marine scientists,
economists, attorneys, and other ocean conservationists
from 27 countries. Designed to support innovative
work, the program provides flexible support
of projects through which Fellows develop
and implement solutions to critical challenges
in the marine realm.
Media contact: Jill Butterworth
