The Alaskan King Crab is an impressive sea creature that lives in the harsh waters of the Bering Sea. With an appeal unique to its image and habitat, this crab is a perfect example of the intriguing connection between marine biology and commerce.
Alaskan King Crab Characteristics
Alaska King Crab, also known as Kamchatka Crab or Red King Crab, is among the largest crab species in the world. While the largest individuals can reach a weight of 12.7 kg, their average weight is around 2.9 kg. Male individuals are larger than females, and the lifespan of these crabs varies between 20 and 30 years unless they are hunted. The ability of the waters to adapt to temperatures between -1.8°C and 12.8°C allows this species to live in various regions in the Bering Sea.
Alaskan King Crab Habitat
Baby crabs prefer shallow waters where nutrients are rich and dangers are minimal. However, when they are two years old, they begin to live in waters 20 to 50 meters deep, this life transformation demonstrates the adaptation abilities of the species.
Commercial and Economic Value
From 1959 to the present, US fishermen have caught approximately 900,000 tons of King Crab, resulting in an income of 1.6 billion dollars. The hunting season is generally held between October and January and is limited. This contributes to the conservation of the species.
Hunting Restrictions and Management
In recent years, the hunting season has been limited to 2 to 4 weeks in order to promote sustainable hunting and preserve the species' extinction. A fishing quota per boat has also been introduced since 2005. These practices promote sustainability in crab fishing.
Alaskan King Crab Fishing Methods
Alaska King Crab fishing is carried out using wire cages weighing 300 kg. Boats drop these cages into the sea and after a while they pull the cages back using cranes. This difficult process is usually done with large boats between 12 and 75 meters in length.
In the 1990s, this profession was considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. However, thanks to strict controls and security measures, death rates have decreased. Fishermen who practice this dangerous profession can earn between 20,000 and 50,000 dollars a month, while boat owners can earn a net profit of 200,000 dollars a year.
