Melbourne-Thomas_et_al-2016-Geophysical_Research_Letters(1).pdf (526.81 kB)
Under ice habitats for Antarctic krill larvae: could less mean more under climate warming?
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 23:20 authored by Jessica Melbourne-ThomasJessica Melbourne-Thomas, Stuart CorneyStuart Corney, Rowan TrebilcoRowan Trebilco, Klaus MeinersKlaus Meiners, Stevens, RP, So KawaguchiSo Kawaguchi, Michael SumnerMichael Sumner, Andrew ConstableAndrew ConstableOverwintering of larvae underneath Antarctic pack ice is a critical stage in the life cycle of Antarctic krill. However, there are no circumpolar assessments of available habitat for larval krill, making it difficult to evaluate how climate change may impact this life stage. We use outputs from a circumpolar sea ice model, together with a set of simple assumptions regarding key habitat features, to identify possible regions of larval krill habitat around Antarctica during winter. We assume that the location and suitability of habitat is determined by both food availability and three-dimensional complexity of the sea ice. A comparison of the combined area of these regions under current conditions with a warm climate scenario indicates that while total areal sea ice extent decreases, there is a consistently larger area of potential larval krill habitat under warm conditions. These findings suggest that decreases in sea ice extent may not necessarily be detrimental for krill populations.
History
Publication title
Geophysical Research LettersVolume
43Issue
19Pagination
10,322-10,327ISSN
0094-8276Department/School
Institute for Marine and Antarctic StudiesPublisher
Amer Geophysical UnionPlace of publication
2000 Florida Ave Nw, Washington, USA, Dc, 20009Rights statement
© 2016. American Geophysical Union.Repository Status
- Restricted