Krill and the Base of Marine Food Webs

Antarctic krill are among the most abundant animals on Earth and form the foundation of a food web supporting whales, penguins, and seals whose welfare depends entirely on krill population health.

Key Facts

Antarctic krill biomass is estimated at 379 million tonnes — one of the largest animal biomasses on Earth
Krill form dense swarms that can be detected from space and serve as food for virtually all Antarctic megafauna
Climate change and ocean acidification are reducing krill habitat and food availability
Commercial krill fishing for aquaculture feed and omega-3 supplements has grown significantly
The welfare of whales, penguins, seals, and albatrosses is directly dependent on krill population stability

Welfare Considerations

Krill welfare considerations operate at two scales: the uncertain welfare of individual krill as potentially sentient invertebrates, and the welfare of the enormous diversity of animals whose lives depend on krill populations. Whether individual krill experience suffering is scientifically uncertain, but their role in supporting the welfare of billions of vertebrate animals whose sentience is clear makes krill conservation an indirect welfare imperative. Protecting krill from overexploitation and climate impacts protects the entire Antarctic ecosystem.

What You Can Do

Reduce consumption of aquaculture products that rely on krill meal as feed ingredients
Support Antarctic conservation organizations working on krill fishery management
Advocate for climate action as the most fundamental intervention for krill habitat protection
Choose omega-3 supplements from algae sources rather than krill oil
Learn about Antarctic ecosystem connectivity and the cascading welfare implications of krill decline