Krill of the Ross Sea:: distribution, abundance and demography of Euphausia superba and Euphausia crystallorophias during the Italian Antarctic Expedition (January-February 2000)

Net samples data from the 1511 Italian Antarctic Oceanographic Cruise (Jan-Feb 2000) A ere analysed to obtain a general picture of the summer distribution pattern, abundance and demography of krill in the western Ross Sea (Antarctica). A midwater sampler-trawl (Hamburg Plankton Net) was used to collect zooplankton and fish larvae, Mean relative biomass of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba. in the area north of Continental Shelf, was 9.3 g/1000 m(3) of filtered water with a mean density of 10.9 ind./1000 m(3). Ice krill Euphausia crystallorophias replaced the Antarctic krill in dominance in the High Antarctic Zone (south of 74degrees), with a mean relative biomass of 3.0 g/1000 m(3) and a mean density of 19.1 ind./1000 m(3). The present data have demonstrated that in the Ross Sea the two species of euphausiid inhabited different areas during the summer period. Oceanographic data indicate that both euphausiid species were found in surface waters. Euphausia crystallorophias in proper Ross Sea water. and Euphausia superba in Antarctic Surface Water. The catch data of Euphausia superba, ere characterised by the complete absence of larval stages, scarce occurrence of juveniles and composed primarily of large adult stages, Whereas the overall length frequency distribution of Euphausia crystallorophias was characterised by a first mode of juvenile individuals and a second mode consisting of sub-adults and adults.