The Department for the first time launched a special cruise to explore and assess the krill fisheries resources in Antarctic waters. A scientific expedition on board the Departmental vessel FORV Sagar Sampada was launched on 27 December 1995, from Cochin. Scientists drawn from Integrated Fishery Project, Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Fishery Survey of India, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute and National Institute of Oceanography along with three Experts from Poland participated in this cruise. In addition, representatives of Indian Fishery Industries participated in this cruise. The objectives of this cruise were primarily to assess krill resources in the fishing area 58 of Antarctic waters and conducting experiments on eco-biological aspects. Studies were undertaken for collecting data on stock density, area of abundance, seasonal variations, etc. and developing harvest and post-harvest technologies for commercial use of krill products. The Cruise returned to Cochin in March 1996.