Sustainable Development Goals and the Threat to Antarctic Krill
Introduction
The Antarctic Endeavour glides across the water’s silky surface as dozens of fin whales spray rainbows from their blowholes into a fairy tale icescape of massive glaciers.
But as a patrol of environmentalists approaches the Chilean super trawler in an inflatable boat, the cruder realities of modern industrial fishing come into view.
From one of the ship’s drain holes, a steaming pink sludge cascades into the frigid waters of the Southern Ocean. It’s the foul-smelling runoff from processing the 80-meter (260-foot) factory ship’s valuable catch: Antarctic krill, a paper-clip-sized crustacean central to the region’s food web and, scientists say, an important buffer to global warming.
“What’s coming out of the side are the remnants of the ecosystem,” says Alistair Allan, an activist for Australia’s Bob Brown Foundation, as he looks on from the inflatable boat. “If this was off the coast of Alaska, it would be a national park. But since it’s down here at the bottom of the world, where no one is watching, you have ships almost running into whales feeding on the same things they’re fishing.”
Background
While krill fishing is banned in U.S. waters due to concerns it could impact whales, seals, and other animals that feed on the shrimp-like creatures, it’s been taking place for decades in Antarctica, where krill are most abundant. It started in the 1960s when the Soviet Union launched an industrial fleet of trawlers in search of an untapped protein source that could be canned like sardines.
Surging demand for nutrient-rich krill — for feeding farm-raised fish, omega-3 pills, pet food, and protein shakes — combined with advances in fishing and the still unknown impact from climate change has some scientists warning the fishery is at a critical juncture and in urgent need of stricter controls. But any further action is mired in geopolitical wrangling as Russia and China look to quickly expand the catch.
The Importance of Krill
Tiny but bountiful, Antarctic krill make up one of the planet’s largest biomasses, nourishing everything from fish to marine mammals and seabirds. They also play a crucial role in fighting climate change by removing as much as 23 megatons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year. This is equivalent to taking 5 million cars off the road annually.
However, krill populations are declining due to warming oceans and shrinking sea ice. The warming temperatures are altering krill’s life cycle, and their migration patterns are shifting poleward. This poses a threat to the delicate Antarctic ecosystem and the species that depend on krill for survival.
Regulating Krill Fishing
The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is responsible for regulating krill fishing in Antarctica. However, the organization has faced challenges in developing effective management plans due to geopolitical conflicts and opposition from countries like Russia and China.
Currently, less than 5% of the Southern Ocean is protected, falling short of CCAMLR’s target and the United Nations’ goal to preserve 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030. The lack of consensus among member states has hindered progress in implementing stricter controls and creating marine reserves.
The Krill Industry
The krill industry is dominated by Aker BioMarine, a Norwegian company responsible for about 70% of the global krill catch. Aker BioMarine emphasizes its environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts, including funding marine research and reducing carbon emissions.
However, critics argue that the industry’s self-imposed restrictions are not enough to protect the Antarctic ecosystem. Concerns have been raised about bycatch, entanglement of marine mammals, and seabird collisions with trawler cables.
Sustainability Concerns
The sustainability of krill fishing and its impact on the Antarctic ecosystem is a pressing issue. The fight for stricter regulations and marine reserves continues, as scientists and environmentalists emphasize the importance of preserving krill populations and the delicate balance of the Antarctic ecosystem.
Countries must prioritize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14: Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. By implementing effective management plans and protecting marine habitats, we can ensure the long-term sustainability of krill and safeguard the Antarctic ecosystem.
Source: ABC News
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems | Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning |
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production | Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems
- Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
- Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production
- Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches
- Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
- Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture
- Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems | Indicator 14.2.1: Proportion of national exclusive economic zones managed using ecosystem-based approaches |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning | Indicator 13.3.1: Number of countries that have integrated mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning measures into national policies, strategies, and planning |
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production | Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect and prevent the extinction of threatened species | Indicator 15.5.1: Red List Index |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: abcnews.go.com
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