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Factory fishing in Antarctica for krill targets the cornerstone of a fragile ecosystem
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This photo provided by the British Antarctic Survey in October 2023 shows an Antarctic krill (Euphausia suberba). While krill fishing is banned in U.S. waters due to concerns it could impact whales, seals and other animals that feed on the shrimp-like creatures, it’s been taking place for decades in Antarctica, where krill are most abundant. - photo by Chris Gilbert/British Antarctic Survey
ABOARD THE ALLANKAY off Antarctica (AP) — The Antarctic Endeavour glides across the water’s silky surface as dozens of fin whales spray rainbows from their blowholes into a fairy tale icescape of massive glaciers. But as a patrol of environmentalists approaches the Chilean super trawler in an inflatable boat, the cruder realities of modern industrial fishing come into view. From one of the ship’s drain holes, a steaming pink sludge cascades into the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean.