Biomass and population structure of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba DANA) collected during SIBEX II cruise of R.V. KAIYO MARU

Juvenile and adult Euphausia superba were collected in the northwest of the Antarctic Peninsula, eastern Drake Passage, and the Scotia and Weddell Seas during the SIBEX II cruise of R. V. KAIYO MARU. Average biomass estimated from blind tows was 145g/1000m^3 (838g/1000m^3,if aimed tows were included). The biomass was especially abundant along the Antarctic Peninsula, in the east of Elephant Island and west and southeast of South Sandwich Islands. E. superba wet weight represented 88% of total wet weight from blind tows (99%, if aimed tows were included). Copulated females and males with developed spermatophores were numerous along the Antarctic Peninsula and in the west of South Sandwich Islands. Copulated females were rather abundant off Queen Maud Land, although male maturity was not high. Juveniles were almost absent in the northwest of the Antarctic Peninsula and in eastern Drake Passage; in number they were dominant in the west and southeast of South Sandwich Islands