Officials have shut down the krill fishery near Antarctica early after exceeding the seasonal catch limit for the first time. This decision follows a report detailing a surge in krill catches after a conservation framework lapsed without a new plan. The Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources confirmed the early closure of the 2024-25 season. The U.S., Russia, China, and other governments failed to approve a new management plan. Krill is crucial for marine ecosystems and climate change mitigation. Researchers highlight its role in removing 20 million tons of carbon annually from the atmosphere.