How 10 Billion Snow Crab Vanished From Alaskan Waters and What it Means for The Seafood Industry
October 10, 2023 | 1 min to read
In Kodiak, Alaska, an unusually quiet October signals trouble for local fishermen as much of the crabbing season is canceled due to a halt on snow crabs in the Bering Sea. Normally bustling with activity, the docks are deserted as commercial fisherman Gabriel Prout notes the absence of preparations that typically accompany the start of the season on October 15. This year’s circumstances have sharply disrupted the local fishing community.
KODIAK, Alaska — A quiet early October day on the bay in Kodiak, Alaska looks idyllic, but it’s a problem for local fishermen.
Early fall is usually when crabbers are frantically preparing for a long season that starts October 15, but this year is different. A huge portion of the crabbing season is canceled with the news that once again, snow crabs will not be caught in the Bering Sea.
“On a normal year, you’d have people walking back and forth, boats transiting from the dock over here to here, putting pots on, getting gear ready,” said commercial fisherman Gabriel Prout, who crabs with his family.
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