Satellites Track Antarctic Krill

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Satellites now track Antarctic krill by detecting subtle changes in seawater color, marking a scientific breakthrough in marine research.

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Scientists from University of Strathclyde, WWF, and British Antarctic Survey launched "Krill from Space" project to monitor these vital ocean creatures.

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These tiny shrimp-like creatures remove carbon from oceans equivalent to UK's daily air emissions through their feeding habits.

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Dr. Cait McCarry's tests measure how individual krill alter water color, creating patterns visible to satellite technology.

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Antarctic krill populations face dual challenges from rising ocean temperatures destroying their breeding grounds and increased industrial fishing.

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Satellite technology has observed oceans since 1997, but scientists can now specifically detect krill's distinctive red color signature.

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Warming oceans force krill to migrate southward, disrupting food chains from small fish to massive whales dependent on these creatures.

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Each thriving krill population supports entire marine food chains while contributing to climate change mitigation.

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WWF-UK's Rod Downie emphasizes urgent need to protect krill habitats using this new satellite monitoring capability.

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