Features of spatial and temporally distribution patterns of krill flux in the Scotia Sea: some comments on the development of a krill fishery management in Area 48.

The spatial variability of krill flux in the Scotia Sea calculated by using the geostrophic method, is analysed. For this, CCAMLR-2000 international survey data was used. The analysis was carried out in the 0-500 m depth ranges 50 m layers. Water mass geostrophic circulation, spatial distribution of krill density, water flow intensity (m³/s) and krill biomass (g/m3) transported by water flow to the Scotia Sea, were a subject of study.  It is clearly illustrated that the geostrophic krill flux in the Scotia Sea requires both favorable dynamic conditions and availability of krill transported by the water flow from the Pacific ocean Antarctic Area through the Antarctic Peninsula subarea. Calculations indicate that the krill drift through the Antarctic Peninsula area and the South Orkney area   in the Scotia Sea may be incomparably high than the annual catch of krill and the operating catch limits in Area 48.  The special attention was provided to a spatial variability of direction and intensity of krill flux through the Bransfield Strait and the Drake Passage. Results show that developments of krill resource management schemes require a study of the variability nature of its distribution under the influence of geostrophic flux at various space-time scales. The availability of such information is necessary to understand the competitive relationship between predators and fisheries for krill resources.