STRUCTURE OF THE WATER MASSES AND KRILL DISTRIBUTION IN THE CENTRAL AND EASTERN PARTS OF THE ATLANTIC ANTARCTIC AREA

The data of 18 expeditions fulfilled by AtlantNIRO during 1970-2000 in the central and eastern part of the Area 48 (Subareas 48.4 and 48.6) were summarized. Distribution of krill was analyzed with reference to the structure and dynamics of the water masses in the area of the Southern Sandwich Islands arc, the Bouveau Island, the Maude seamount, the southern part of the Lazarev Sea and up to the coastal zone of the Antarctic. It was demonstrated that in these areas in the frontal zone of the Weddell circulation and in the area of the Antarctic nearshore current the oceanographic conditions appeared favorable to formation of commercial krill aggregations, which might be attractive in biomass distribution to the fishing fleet operations during certain seasons. The Subareas 48.4 and 48.6 may become one of the probable directions of krill exploratory fishery in the Convention Area.