King Crab Encroachment Could Threaten Antarctic Ecosystems

Researchers from FIT documented king crabs migrating to the Antarctic Peninsula, posing a potential threat to the ecosystem. The expedition aimed to capture live crabs for study, despite challenges due to their deep-water habitat. The joint US-Swedish team found no barriers preventing crabs from moving to shallower waters. The study highlights the global relevance of climate change, as changes in Antarctic ecosystems may reflect broader environmental shifts. If crabs establish themselves, they could disrupt the ecosystem and reduce marine diversity, necessitating long-term studies.

How might climate change impact ecosystems in the Antarctic according to the research?

What long-term studies are suggested to understand the impact of king crabs on the ecosystem?