Status of the krill stock around Elephant Island in 1991/92 and 1992/93

Krill stock composition and distribution patterns in the vicinity of Elephant Island during austral summer 1991/92 and 1992/93 are described and compared with information from previous years. The general distribution of krill length and maturity classes conformed to previous descriptions and appears to be a recurring and predictable aspect of the krill stocks in the Antarctic Peninsula region. The length frequency distributions and maturity stage composition reflected relatively good year class success from the 1990/91 spawning season but poor success from 1991/92. Year class success from these and other years appears to be associated with female maturity development and spawning during early summer months. The overall abundance, maturity stage composition and reproductive activity of krill appeared to be affected by dense salp concentrations during 1992/93 and 1989/90.