The Curious Life of Krill

"An essential reflection on an essential set of creatures. With wit and hard-earned wisdom, Stephen Nicol reveals how krill drive the ecosystems at the bottom of the world and how, in an era of profound climate change, they require our most careful attention."--Paul Greenberg, Correspondent for Frontline's The Fish on My Plate, and author of Four Fish and American Catch "Krill expert Stephen Nicol transports us to the world of one of the ocean's most important, least-understood creatures. A krill is indeed curious: its ability to shrink when short of food, its intricate relationship with Antarctic sea ice, and its critical role in great-whale ecosystems. Read this book and you will understand our human relationship with krill, and feel that you have swum with it through Antarctic seas."--David Agnew, Director of Science, Marine Stewardship Council "As the Antarctic ecosystem warms, it becomes ever more important that we understand the biology of krill and how their adaptation to climate change will impact the other varied species that feed on them. Of interest to marine scientists and anyone concerned for the future of our oceans."-- "Library Journal" "The book is an ode to Antarctic krill... [Its] conversational...style makes you feel as if you're part of an engaging dinnertime conversation." -- "Science News" "Marine scientist Nicol's passion for krill...certainly comes across...those seeking a very accessible entry point to marine biology and conservation will find it here."-- "Publishers Weekly" "A captivating little book...Nicol does a superb job of distilling crustacean biology, hard-won personal experience, and interesting history into a book that never gets a chance to outstay its welcome. If you have even the slightest interest in books on oceanography, marine ecosystems, or the many interesting creatures that live here you should most certainly add this book to your reading list."-- "Inquisitive Biologist" "The Curious Life of Krill offers a newfound appreciation for the complex ecology of a species we have much to learn from, and many reasons to protect. An exceptional and impressively informative study...unreservedly recommended."-- "Midwest Book Review" "The Curious Life of Krill takes the reader deep into the Southern Ocean...Nicol writes passionately about [krill] biology, exploitation, and management."-- "Nature" "Fascinating...Nicol's book deftly explains [krill's] life history and critical place in marine ecosystems."-- "Hakai Magazine newsletter"

Stephen Nicol, one of the world's foremost experts on krill, has spent decades as an Antarctic krill research scientist and program leader for the Australian government. He is an adjunct professor in the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, in Hobart, and is the recipient of the Australian Antarctic Medal for outstanding contributions to Antarctic research.