On the biology of the Antarctic krill Euphausia superba

Results are described of observations on the distribution and biology of the Antarctic krill Eupkausia superba DANA in the Scotia Sea and off South Georgia, conducted on board the R.V. 'Academic Knipovich' from February 13 to April 2, 1968. Commercial concentrations of krill were observed between the South Orkneys and the South Sandwich Islands. Trial commercial fishing resulted in 136 t/10 days, with an average catch of 2 t/h and a maximum catch of 7 t/h. Catches decreased in the morning, from 4 a.m. to 12 a.m. Northwest of South Georgia concentrations of krill were also observed. Krill tend to concentrate in areas with circular water movement, but the problem of prompt location of commercial concentrations has not yet been solved. According to size composition curves, krill become mature only at 3 years of age and breed in the fourth year of their life. Only a few individuals survive to the age of 4 years.