Joint media release: Big plans for tiny species: New aquarium in the works for Antarctic krill research

The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Julie Collins MP, Federal Member for Franklin
The Hon Carol Brown, Senator for Tasmania

The Albanese Labor Government has today announced a new world-leading Antarctic krill aquarium and research facility will be built in Hobart.

Following the first stages of planning approval, work is now underway to establish a new research aquarium in Taroona, Hobart that will help scientists understand the impacts of climate change on the crucial species.

The facility is expected to cost more than $25 million.

Antarctic krill are the foundation of the Southern Ocean food chain and are fundamental to marine life.

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is recognised as the leader in live krill research, operating one of three of the world’s only Antarctic krill research facilities in Hobart.

The new aquarium will enable multi-year research on all aspects of krill biology and on other species in the ecosystem.

Construction is due to commence in 2023.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP:

 “Based on weight, Antarctic krill are the most abundant wild animal species on earth and are the main diet of marine animals such as whales, seals and penguins.

“We need to know what impact warming oceans and ocean acidification will have on krill populations in the future.

“To protect the Antarctic environment is to protect the future of the world.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Franklin, Julie Collins MP:

"This is a significant investment for our Antarctic environment, and will allow scientists at AAD to work closely with experts at the University of Tasmania.

"Their work to improve our knowledge about the impacts of climate on krill reproduction will be priceless."

Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania, Carol Brown:

“This will be a world-leading aquarium based right here in Hobart that will greatly inform how Australia can continue to protect the Southern Ocean.”