Alaskan king crab constitute one of the largest and most important fisheries in Alaska. They are also a delicious seafood choice and an interesting marine creature. However, Alaskan king crab fishing has had its ups and downs with fisheries crashing in the mid-1980s. Considering its economic and ecological importance it is essential to remain knowledgeable about this important creature so it can be enjoyed in the years to come.
The Different Types of Alaskan King Crab
In Alaska there are four types of king crab, three of which are fished commercially. While the scarlet king crab is not commercially harvested, the red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus)is one of the most prized crab species in the world. It can be found from British Columbia to Japan, but Bristol Bay and the Kodiak Archipelago are the centers of red king crab fishing in Alaska. Alive, the crab is a dark burgundy or brownish color, but it turns bright red when cooked. The largest red king crab ever caught was five feet across from leg tip to leg tip.
The other commercially fished king crabs in Alaska are the blue crab (P. platypus) and the golden crab (Lithodes aequispinus). Blue king crab are fished primarily near the Pribilof and St. Matthew Islands in Alaska while the golden king crab is found near the Aleutian Islands. The blue king crab is particularly known for its large crab legs and claws.
The Economics of King Crabs in Alaska
Since 1959, roughly 2 billion pounds of red king crab have been harvested from Alaskan waters generating $1.6 billion. Second only to salmon, the king crab is an important species economically. According to the online store Alaskan King Crab on their page “Alaskan King Crab Fishing”, boat owners in the 1980’s could make $1 million to $2 million a season with deckhands bringing in $60,000 to $70,000 a season. Nowadays however, due to declining stocks, boat owners bring in an average of $434,000 and deckhands $43,400.
Alaskan King Crab Season
Alaskan king crab season runs from about October to January every year according to the Discovery Channel’s webpage “Anatomy of an Alaskan King Crab”. During this short period of time, about 250 boats head out to make what fortune they can. However, plenty of laws regulate crab fishing in Alaska these days. For example, only males can be caught and of these, males must be at least 6.5 inches across.
Essentially, women and children are sent back to sea to keep population levels stable. Crab fishermen must register their vessels and gear is regulated. Further, populations are strictly monitored and some Alaskan king crab fisheries have been closed due to declining populations. These include the Adak red king crab fishery and the Priblof Islands red king crab fishery.
Sources:
Blau, S. Forrest. “Alaska King Crabs”. Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Nov 1997. Adfg.state.ak.us
Accessed April 17 2010.
Megan Jungwi - Megan Jungwi started her freelance writing career in March 2009. Although new to online writing Megan has long been passionate about the ...
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