Krill, a tiny shrimp-like creature at the bottom of the Antarctic food chain, has found itself at the centre of international talks over conservation. Whales and penguins feed on it, and are the first to suffer when industrial ships scoop it up in huge quantities for farmed salmon, dietary supplements, cosmetics and even luxury pet food.
Krill is the cornerstone of the entire Antarctic ecosystem – a heavy responsibility for such a small animal.
