‘Turns Out Rock Bottom Has a Basement’: Crabbing Closure Adds to Struggles of Washington Seafood Industry
October 10, 2023 | 1 min to read
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced the reopening of the Bristol Bay red king crab fishery, while the Bering Sea snow crab fishery remains closed, exacerbating economic struggles for businesses. Crabbing captain Casey McManus noted that fishermen experience significant ups and downs, with current lows being notably severe. He highlighted how inflation impacts grocery prices, restricting consumer spending on fresh seafood and affecting various related industries.
SEATTLE — The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announced Friday it will reopen the Bristol Bay red king crab fishery, but the Bering Sea snow crab fishery will remain closed. It adds to the economic challenges some businesses have been facing.
“You’re always gonna see highs and lows as a commercial fisherman,” crabbing captain Casey McManus said. “Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, feast or famine. But lately, the highs are a lot lower and the lows are even lower than that. Turns out rock bottom has a basement.”
McManus says reduced allowable catches and fishery closures come on top of other economic challenges. Inflation has raised the cost of groceries, giving customers less freedom to spend on fresh seafood. The effects ripple to all kinds of businesses.
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