Antarctic amphipods clustered where ocean currents met near Elephant Island
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
Researchers examined 75 stations sampled during the 2018 Polarstern PS112 expedition and recorded 1,347 Themisto gaudichaudii. Abundance peaked near Elephant Island under the Antarctic Circumpolar Current's influence; the sample was juvenile-heavy, and body length was related to chlorophyll a but not significantly to temperature or salinity in the sampled range.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
Monitoring alternative prey in changing polar food webs needs attention to water masses, timing and life stages as well as species presence.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
These samples were from one March–May 2018 expedition, not a trend in abundance through 2026. No krill replacement or predator dietary switch was established.
SOURCE
Polar Biology — primary expedition-based field study
View original evidence ↗
A newly published analysis of 2018 sampling found concentrated Themisto amphipods in warmer current-influenced waters, with many juveniles.
Read the Wild Lands assessment →