Antarctic krill, small crustaceans beneath icy waters, are emerging as crucial players in carbon storage, rivaling well-known blue carbon habitats like mangroves and seagrasses. Recent research reveals that these tiny creatures, specifically Euphausia superba, contribute significantly to carbon cycling, with their waste products and carcasses influencing Southern Ocean carbon fluxes.
Dr. Emma Cavan from Imperial College London highlights that krill store comparable amounts of carbon to coastal marine plants, emphasizing their role beyond being mere food for larger animals. The study suggests that krill could lock away at least 20 million tons of carbon annually, equating to $46 billion in carbon storage value.
With swarms containing up to 30 trillion individuals, krill's massive populations amplify their carbon storage capabilities, producing a significant 'rain' of carbon-rich waste. However, climate change and expanding fisheries threaten their habitats, making the conservation of krill essential for maintaining the Southern Ocean ecosystem and achieving global climate goals.