Bering Sea snow crab harvest sees promising numbers despite back-to-back canceled seasons

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The Bering Sea snow crab season opened in October after the Alaska Department of Fish and Game canceled back-to-back seasons in 2022-23 and 2023-24 due to low population numbers.

Back on the water this winter, crabbers are past the mid-way mark of this season’s quota, already harvesting close to three million pounds of snow crab.

This year’s quota amount is the lowest in history for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game due to population concerns.

However, this year’s numbers are looking more promising, according to Fish and Game Area Management Biologist Ethan Nichols in Dutch Harbor.

He explained the number of legal males per pot is trending higher this season than in previous years, as well as the average size of the crab.

“We are seeing signs of stabilization and recovery after the recent collapse,” he said. “A return to colder conditions in recent years, coupled with the increased survey abundance is a reason for optimism.”

The Bering Sea snow crab season ends on May 15.

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