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Alaska Shocks as Snow Crab Season Cancelled for First Time Ever
Alaska Fisheries Council Shocked by Drastic Decline in Snow Crab Population
'Snow crabs are the most abundant species among commercially harvested crabs in the Bering Sea. So, what's happening is truly shocking. Not only adult crabs but also females and juveniles are disappearing mysteriously.' - Benjamin Daly, Alaska Fisheries Researcher
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Overfishing Blamed for Snow Crab Harvest Cancellation in Alaska
Researchers, however, argue that overfishing cannot explain the rapid and drastic decline in snow crab numbers. Instead, they believe environmental changes are responsible for this abrupt decrease in the species.
Snow crabs inhabit cold waters and are commonly found in areas with temperatures below 2°C. However, as the oceans warm and ice disappears, the waters around Alaska are becoming increasingly unsuitable for these creatures.
Studies also indicate that the temperature and water conditions in the Bering Sea are undergoing significant changes. Water temperatures around the North Pole have warmed up at a rate four times faster than the rest of the planet. Climate change is causing extensive ice melt in the Arctic, particularly in the Bering Sea, contributing to global warming.
However, the closure of fishing activities also contributes significantly to the recovery of the snow crab population. Researchers have found many juvenile individuals, but it will take a few more years for them to mature and contribute to increasing the population.
' Nonetheless, it's a somewhat optimistic sign. It's much better than not seeing any individuals at all. The Earth is gradually warming every year, and this change is particularly pronounced in the Arctic ecosystem. Combating climate change, helping the Earth to stop warming, is good news for humanity and even for snow crabs.' said Ethan Nichols, a biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
The scientific name for snow crabs is Chionoecetes opilio. They are known for their large size and delicious taste. The most flavorful parts of this creature are its legs and claws, which are large and meaty. This species is similar to king crabs but slightly smaller and with fewer spines on their bodies. The disappearance of snow crabs deprives global food enthusiasts of the opportunity to enjoy a delicacy, at least for this year.
Source: CNN
