Global Warming

Antarctic krill is moving southwards

Krill are moving further south from the Southern Ocean in vast numbers to an icier habitat as the oceans continue to warm, new research has found.

Scientists say warming conditions in recent decades have led to the krill migrating by about 270 miles (440km) toward the Antartic over the past 90 years.

The pink shrimp-like creatures are the primary food source for almost all sea creatures including other fish, penguins, seabirds and whales.

If this pattern continues, scientists warn that it will have negative ecosystem impacts and continue to see further dramatic declines in marine species.

There is already evidence that macaroni penguins and fur seals are competing for krill to support their populations.