The case for a moratorium on Southern Ocean krill harvesting : an analysis of the application of the precautionary approach to, and the current inadequacies of, the krill management regime in international environmental law

The Antarctic is one of the world's largest and most isolated wilderness areas. The Antarctic krill is a small crustacean that is one of the most pivotal species in the vulnerable Antarctic ecosystem. Accordingly, it is extremely important that the krill is given adequate legal protection by the international regulatory and management regime. The purpose of this thesis is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the world's international legal regime in the context of the Antarctic krill. In particular, this thesis examines the adequacy of the current legal regime to provide effective management of krill and other Antarctic. marine species in light of the problem of illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing in the Southern Ocean. The thesis examines both legal theory and practical management in the specific context of the Antarctic krill. The aim of the thesis is to recommend an appropriate regulatory framework for the Antarctic krill in light of the \precautionary approach\" to fisheries management given the krill's importance to the Antarctic ecosystem."