Krill (Euphausia superba Dana) resources and distribution in the Wilkes Land area in the seasons 1986 to 1989

摘要

Results of krill (Euphausia superba Dana) resource surveys carried out along the Wilkes Land coast from 1986 to 1989 are presented in the paper. The surveys mainly focused on the search for exploitable krill aggregations. Two research vessels were simultaneously involved in the survey with one vessel conducting commercial krill fishing. The whole survey area from the coast to approximately 64°S between 130° and 150°E was subdivided into three subareas taking into account an area to the north of the edge of the continental slope. Each subarea was described in terms of the number of krill aggregations, regularity of their observations, krill density and total krill biomass. It was found that the above parameters are closely related to variability in oceanographic conditions and extent of the ice cover. If ice conditions are favourable, the subarea between 143° and 150°E was considered as the most valuable for the krill fishery. Krill aggregations were most frequently and regularly observed in the subarea. The mean annual density of krill in the subarea was 1 475 tonnes per square mile. The total biomass of krill in the Wilkes Land area was assessed as being about 1x106 tonnes.