Distribution, abundance and vertical migration pattern of krill - Euphausia superba Dana at fishing area 58 of the Indian Ocean sector of Southern Ocean

• Main Author: Rathod, V.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Indian Academy of Sciences 2005
• Subjects: Antarctic krill; FIKEX; Indian Ocean; Southern Ocean; Antarctic; Indian; Antarc*; Antarctic Krill; Euphausia superba
• Online Access: http://drs.nio.org/drs/handle/2264/148

The First Indian Antarctic Krill Expedition (FIKEX) was an attempt to examine and obtain first-hand information pertaining to distribution, abundance and vertical migration pattern of krill –Euphausia superba Dana at fishing area 58 of the Indian Ocean sector of Southern Ocean. It has been ascertained that krill migrations occur between sea surface and a depth of about 100 m. Availability of food is the key factor affecting both seasonal and annual changes, and leads to krill migration. Under good feeding conditions the amplitude is maximal, and the migration cycle approaches 24 h. Adult individuals exhibit 24 h migration, whereas juveniles show lower migration, and their submergence is shallower. Water stratification may also affect krill distribution in the water column, and in certain conditions may lead to limitation of migration range.