STATLANT data reported to the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) are used to discern observable trends in catch and effort for the Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) fishery between 1972/73 and 1987/88. The annual krill catch rose gradually to a peak of some 500 000 tonnes in 1981/82 before dropping to allow level in 1983/84 and stabilizing at about 400 000 tonnes thereafter. In terms of both catch and effort the Soviet and Japanese krill fisheries in Subareas 48.1, 48.2 and 48.3 prevail in the CCAMLR Convention Area. Monthly fishing patterns (November to April) are similar in all areas, except in Subarea 48.3 where fishing is predominantly confined to the winter months (April to August). Trends in the fishery with respect to independent estimates of krill abundance and minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) catches are discussed.