The 2009-2010 harvest seasons for Alaska’s two largest crab fisheries open October 15th. This year’s harvest limits were announced September 30th by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG).
The Alaska Bristol Bay red king crab harvest is set at 16 million pounds. This represents a drop from last year’s harvest, yet is above the 10-year average. Alaska king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) is the largest and most impressive of all shellfish, prized for its sweet flavor and rich tender white body meat.
The Alaska Bering Sea snow crab harvest is set at 48 million pounds. This is a reduction from last year but is also in line with the 10-year average. Alaska snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) has been the largest volume shellfish fishery in Alaska since the 1980s. With its widespread consumer appeal, it is recognized as one of today’s best shellfish values.
Also announced were the Bering Sea tanner crab (Chionoecetes bairdi) fishery with a harvest level of 1.35 million pounds, and the Saint Matthew Island blue king crab (Paralithodes platypus) fishery with 1.17 million pounds.
