Alaskans have been commercially harvesting wild king crab in earnest since the 1950’s, with catch volumes reaching their peak (over 180 million pounds per year) in the early 80’s.  Currently, the annual commercial harvest sits under 20 million pounds and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game describes the stocks as being either fully exploited or depressed.

Historically, fluctuations in Alaska’s crab populations can be attributed to a number of causes including over harvesting, decline in recruitment due to adverse climatic conditions, unintentional bycatch of broodstock in other fisheries, and other reasons.

Although Alaska has put a lot of effort into restrictions and regulations over the past two decades, most of the depressed stocks have yet to recover.

That’s why we’re excited to be supporting The Alaska King Crab Research, Rehabilitation and Biology (AKCRRAB) Program.  This innovative project is a partnership between Alaska Sea Grant, regional fishermen’s groups, coastal communities, NOAA Fisheries, the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery and Chugach Regional Resources Commission, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.  This innovative endeavor is working to conduct research aimed at hatching and rearing wild red and blue king crabs in a large-scale hatchery setting in an effort to supplement the region’s long-term economic development and sustainability.

We’re contributing funds from our seafood sustainability program to support this valuable research, and look forward to updating you on their progress.  To learn more about AKCRRAB please visit their website.