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Antarctica krill is also known as Euphausia superba. Antarctica krill is also termed as the power house of the Antarctic ecosystem. The krills of Antarctica are usually 4.5m in length and have a life span of 6years. The Antarctica krills belong to the family of zooplanktons and float according to the ocean currents. The krill nourish on the phytoplankton. These organisms are abundantly found in the waters of the Antarctic regions.
Compared to other phytoplankton feeders, an unlimited quantity of krills in Antarctica is available to the animals like seals, whales, penguins and the myriad birds. This is also the reason why there is such an abundance of wildlife in the Southern regions of the globe.
The most effective way of hunting Antarctic krill for commercial purposes is through the great baleen plates made out of the “whalebone” of the Blues, Rights and Fin whales. A triangular tent like structure arises out of the “braincase” of the whale skull into which the krill gets stuck.
Another technique of catching krill is by “bubble netting”. This process requires the involvement of a pair of whales. Recent studies have pointed out to a shortage in krill numbers, the chief reason being a decrease in polar ice, especially in the Antarctic Peninsula.
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