Large and small-scale distribution of krill in the Southern Ocean

The abundance and distribution of Antarctic krill is poorly known for some parts of the Southern Ocean. Recent, and anticipated enhanced interest in krill fisheries highlights the need for precise and reliable data to secure the population through international agreements. The acoustic survey AKES 1 (Acoustic Krill Estimation Survey) made by IMR (Institute for Marine Research, Norway) was conducted in the Southern Ocean between South Georgia and Bouvet Island, during January and February 2008, as a part of the International Polar Year 2007/2008. Waters around South Georgia, the Open Sea region between South Georgia and Bouvet, and the area close to Bouvet Island were investigated. There is limited knowledge on krill distribution in the two last areas.