A nearshore observatory for Antarctic krill: Analysis of the spatial variability in their distribution and abundance

Abstract

Annual surveys of the distribution and abundance of Antarctic krill are conducted by the United States Antarctic Marine Living Resources Program in order to assist fishery managers in conserving this economic and ecologic resource. These surveys utilize a large vessel which does not sample close (within 10 km) to the South Shetland Islands. These islands are home to many krill predators (fur seals and penguins) who often forage in these nearshore waters. In order to better understand the abundance and distribution of the krill in these waters and to determine the physical and biological factors affecting the krill, a nearshore observatory has been created that combines multiple sensors and platforms to provide improved spatial and temporal coverage of the nearshore region of Livingston Island. This study utilizes a large research vessel, a small inflatable vessel, an array of instrumented buoys, and a pilot project involving an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle. This presentation will discuss acoustic backscatter measurements made from both large and small vessels. Results from the most recent field season (Jan–Feb 2005) will be presented as well as data from previous years (2002, 2004). [Work supported by the NSF Office of Polar Programs and NOAA.]