Renewed research focus on cephalopod resources in the Southern Ocean

• Main Authors: Sajikumar, K K, Ragesh, N, Mohamed, K S
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: ICAR - Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute 2020
• Subjects: Marine Fishing; Oceanography; Cephalopods; Marine Mammals; Marine Birds; Southern Ocean
• Online Access: http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/14666/; http://eprints.cmfri.org.in/14666/1/MFIS_243_K%20K%20Sajikumar_2020.pdf

Investigations of Southern Ocean cephalopods began with the pioneering expedition of HMS Challenger (Hoyle,1886) and Valdivia expedition conducted by Germany (Odhner, 1923). After the 1970s, there has been considerable research effort in cephalopod taxonomy and abundance all over the world. However, very little is known about the abundance and biodiversity of cephalopods in the Southern Ocean sector. Southern Ocean cephalopod fauna is distinctive, with high levels of endemism in the squid and play an important role, linking the abundant mesopelagic fish and crustaceans with higher predators such as albatross, seals and whales. Although not yet commercially exploited species of the family Ommastrephidae have high potential (Collins and Rodhouse, 2006).