Antarctic krill: how did a paperclip-sized crustacean cause a diplomatic row – and why are they so important?

<p>Russia’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/26/russia-ukrainian-biologist-leonid-pshenichnov-arrest-treason-antarctic-krill-overfishing">arrest of a Ukrainian scientist</a> this week over his support for curbs on krill fishing have thrown the vital role of the tiny marine species into the spotlight</p><p>Antarctic krill are small, shrimp-like marine crustaceans (<em>Euphausia superba</em><em>)</em>. They feed on plankton and are the main food source for larger marine animals. The word “krill” comes from the <a href="https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=krill">Norwegian word “</a><em><a href="https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=krill">kril</a></em><a href="https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=krill">” meaning the small fry of fish</a>.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/oct/26/explainer-antarctic-krill-vital-ecosystem-food-chain-conservation-carbon-store">Continue reading...</a>