Does the ozone hole that opens up periodically over Antarctica have any effect on the krill population?
Gary A: According to the scientists onboard the Palmer, the effects of the ozone hole on the krill population is indirect. The effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation directly on krill is minimized as the UV radiation is contained to the upper levels of the water column above the area in which krill are usually found. The phytoplankton on which krill feed however, are affected. There also is a global warming link to the cycle of sea-ice formation. It has been observed that in the summer following peak sea-ice formation there is a bloom in krill production. This peak sea-ice cycle had historically been determined to be six years in duration. There is evidence that this cycle is now an eight-year event. If you consider that the lifespan of an Adelie penguin is believed to be 12 to 14 years, the penguin would enjoy two krill blooms in its lifetime with a six-year sea-ice cycle. If the environmental frequency of sea-ice formation changes, it is almost certain to have an effect on the biologi
