Hydrochemical Structure of Water Masses in Areas of the Antarctic Krill (Euphausia Superba Dana) Fisheries

Abstract

Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba Dana) is considered a most valuable fishing object in the Antarctic waters. According to some estimates, its stocks totals hundred million tons. Besides, krill makes the basic part of feeding ration for numerous consumers, including sea birds, seals, whales, etc. Hydrochemical conditions in areas of the Antarctic krill concentrations in the Southern Ocean are reviewed. We have identified hydrochemical parameters which allow us to differentiate main water masses in the Antarctic waters (i.e. waters associated Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) vs. water with the high-latitude modification associated with continental seas) and distinguish a zone of their interaction, the Secondary Frontal Zone (SFZ). This zone basically makes the areas of the krill dense concentrations.