Male Antarctic fur seals: neglected food competitors of bioindicator species in the context of an increasing Antarctic krill fishery

• Published in: Scientific Reports
• Main Authors: Lowther, A. D., Staniland, I., Lydersen, C., Kovacs, K. M.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Publishing Group UK 2020
• Subjects: Article; Antarctic; Antarc*; Antarctic Fur Seals; Antarctic Krill
• Online Access: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7595138/; https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-75148-9

The fishery for Antarctic krill is currently managed using a precautionary, ecosystem-based approach to limiting catch, with performance indices from a long-term monitoring program focused on several krill-dependent predators that are used to track ecosystem health. Concerns over increased fishing in concentrated areas and ongoing efforts to establish a Marine Protected Area along the Peninsula, a key fishing region, is driving the development of an adaptive management system for the fishery. The cumulative effects of fishing effort and interactions among krill-dependent predators and their performance is at present neglected in the CCAMLR Ecosystem Monitoring Program. However, we show considerable overlap between male Antarctic fur seals and the krill fishery in a complex mosaic, suggesting potential for cumulative impacts on other krill dependent predators. A holistic view is required as part of future efforts to manage the krill fishery that incorporates various sources of potential impacts on the performance of bioindicator species, including the fishery and its interactions with various krill dependent predators.