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Antarctic krill spawn at deep hydrothermal vents, study finds

By Drooid · Oct 2, 2026, 10:42 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Krill Spawn Discovery

Researchers led by Kim Bernard and Rachel Kaplan discovered reproductive female Antarctic krill at deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
All observed krill were carrying eggs, indicating active spawning at vent sites.
Stomach analysis showed krill ate chemosynthetic microbes that derive energy from vent chemicals.
Tissue tests found elevated manganese, zinc, iron and high lead, cadmium concentrations.
Discovery challenges the view that krill spawn only above 300 metres, potentially reshaping marine protected-area planning.

Summary

Antarctica Ice Loss

Machine-learning analysis of ISMIP6 predicts Antarctica will lose more ice than it gains even with 1.5 °C warming limits.
The 2024 Breid Bay polynya expanded to 89,121 km², driven by six intense atmospheric rivers and Ekman suction.
Projected melt could raise sea level by up to 10 inches (25 cm) by 2100, threatening over 10 million homes.
Full melt of the Wilkes Subglacial Basin could add 3–4 m to global sea level.

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Krill Spawn Discovery

Researchers led by Kim Bernard and Rachel Kaplan discovered reproductive female Antarctic krill at deep-sea hydrothermal vents.
All observed krill were carrying eggs, indicating active spawning at vent sites.
Stomach analysis showed krill ate chemosynthetic microbes that derive energy from vent chemicals.
Tissue tests found elevated manganese, zinc, iron and high lead, cadmium concentrations.
Discovery challenges the view that krill spawn only above 300 metres, potentially reshaping marine protected-area planning.

1 / 2