Despite their huge numbers and long lives, recent
studies by marine biologists have found that krill
populations are declining. In the ocean around Antarctica
their numbers have dropped as much as 80%. This is partly
due to the loss of sea ice. Krill oii has become popular
in dietary supplements in recent years, and this demand
is also impacting krill numbers. Only a few countries
currently fish for krill, but the numbers are growing. Some
animals that feed on krill, such as penguins, have declined
ln number as a result.