Climate

China and the race to fish a tiny animal with a vast climate role

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 05/10/2026, 10:28:26 UTC.

Briefings

China's Antarctic krill industry expanded rapidly, with the Fu Yuan Yu 9199 ship conducting its first Southern Ocean voyage in March 2026. The vessel, the largest Chinese krill-fishing ship, targets a tiny crustacean that supports the global carbon cycle. Despite the Antarctic Peninsula warming at twice the global average, China's fleet grew to six vessels, processing 231,083 tonnes in 2025. Processing capacity is expanding to handle this growth, though the industry faces uncertainty regarding sustainability and future management decisions.

Key points

• The Fu Yuan Yu 9199 ship conducted its first Antarctic krill voyage in March 2026, carrying 85 crew members across the Indian Ocean and South Atlantic to the Antarctic Peninsula.
• China's Antarctic krill fleet grew to six vessels in 2026, with the Fu Yuan Yu 9199 being the largest and newest ship to reach the Southern Ocean, surpassing Norway's record catch of 231,083 tonnes in 2025.

Context and limitations

Data on krill biomass is estimated at 379 million tonnes globally, but specific processing yields and future quota allocations remain uncertain. The article notes that while krill harvests may be sustainable under management, the industry faces growing concerns due to China's rapid expansion and the potential impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.

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