November 15, 2022 — Non-profit trade association Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers has launched a GoFundMe following the Alaska snow crab closure announcement.
“No one ever wants to face the day you’re on the verge of losing the job you love that shapes your identity, supports your family, and gives you purpose,” the fundraiser reads. “Unfortunately, Bering Sea crab fishermen are facing that day. Alaska’s Bering Sea snow crab fishery is closed for the first time in U.S. history and Bristol Bay red king crab is closed for the second year in a row.”
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) announced the cancellation of the snow crab season and Bristol Bay red king crab season in mid-October. The decision stemmed from trawl survey results, which found that the stock was estimated to be below the regulatory threshold for opening a fishery.