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Antarctic krill is a species of krill found in the Antarctic waters of the Southern Ocean. It is a small, swimming crustacean that lives in large schools, called swarms, sometimes reaching densities of 10,000–30,000 individual animals per cubic meter. It feeds directly on minute phytoplankton, thereby using the primary production energy that the phytoplankton originally derived from the sun in order to sustain their open ocean life cycle.

It grows to a length of 6 cm, weighs up to 2 grams, and can live for up to six years. It is a key species in the Antarctic ecosystem and is, in terms of biomass, probably the most abundant animal species on the planet. In 2019, the Antarctic krill was featured on a stamp of Westarctica to celebrate its role as a vital part of the Antarctic ecosystem.

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In the news

Space treaty signing

• 16 Jan - Prince James, Duke of Faulkender becomes the first commissioned officer of the Royal Westarctican Military Academy.
• 15 Dec - The Sultan of Slowjamastan becomes the first micronationalist to visit Antarctica.
• 12 Oct - Operation: POLE DANCE is successfully completed in support of MicroCon 2027.
• 12 Oct - Westarctica signs the Micronation Space Cooperation Treaty.
• 4 Sep - Prince Owen, Duke of MacAyeal, is appointed as a Senator of Westarctica.
• 11 Aug - Christopher Watson is appointed Foreign Minister.
• 11 Aug - The Senate of Westarctica vetoes the appointment of the Count of Dorchuck as Foreign Minister.
• 8 Aug - Royal Decree RD-2005-002 expands the areas protected under the Westarctican Parks Service.

This month in history January - Burke Island was discovered using aerial photographs taken by U.S. Navy Squadron VX-6. (1960) The Balleny Islands 09 January - Candidates for the 2019 Prime Minister election are announced. (2019) 12 January - The Consul-General is deployed to the Persian Gulf in anticipation of war with Iraq. (2003) 14 January - Grand Duke Travis abdicated the throne of Westarctica and transferred the title, office, and all responsibilities as ruler to the Duke of Ravencroft, who had previously served as Minister of Information. The Duke was subsequently crowned as Grand Duke Philip of Westarctica. (2006) 14 January - Westarctica formally annexes the Balleny Islands (map pictured) from New Zealand. (2005) 14 January - The Westarctica Conservation Scholarship is renamed Count of Krigsvold Fellowship. (2025) 15 January - The 1st Duke of Goldstream passes away. (2023) 17 January - Grand Duke Travis hosts Carolyn Yagjian for a state visit in Los Angeles. (2019) 18 January - Bodies of ancient crustaceans are found beneath subglacial Lake Mercer. (2019) 24 January - The Royal Blockchain Authority is established to create a Westarctican cryptocurrency. (2018) 27 January - Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen becomes the first person to sight land in Antarctica. (1820) 28 January - The Radlinski Earldom is established in the Whitmore Mountains and granted to Jeanne Morin, sister of the Duke of Ellsworth. (2002) 28 January - The Westarctican College of Arms is created. (2020)

Featured Picture The Principality of Aigues-Mortes is a micronation created to promote and support local initiatives of the eponymous city, located in Southern France, 23km east of Montpellier. The Princely Couple (His Serene Highness, Sovereign-Prince Jean-Pierre IV and Her Serene Highness, Princess Olivia-Eugénie) work together with the citizens and the Princely Grand Council, to create and organize events that are both fun and windows of local talents and creativity. During MicroCon 2025, it was announced that the Principality of Aigues-Mortes would serve as host of MicroCon EU 2027. Photographer: Marc Ryckaert (MJJR) (More Images)

Quote of the Week "Although one of the harshest environments on the planet, Westarctica is also one of the most vulnerable. We must feel committed to protect for our next generation of Westarcticans." - Baron of Andrus

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