The overwhelming majority of krill companies are to stop fishing in vast areas of the Antarctic Peninsula. Krill are important because they are at the base of the food chain: whales, penguins, seals and squid all eat the tiny, shrimp-like crustaceans. Other species, such as albatross and killer whales are indirectly dependent.
The decision of the krill fishing companies comes ahead of a meeting of the Antarctic Ocean Commission (CCAMLR).
The summit in October will decide whether to adopt an EU proposal to create the biggest ocean reserve on Earth.
The Antarctic Ocean Sanctuary would protect 1.8 million square kilometres in and around the Weddell Sea.
The decision to stop krill fishing off the peninsula follows pressure by campaign groups, including Greenpeace.
Companies have been harvest...
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