NOAA scientist Erin Fedewa collects snow crab hepatopancreas samples during the 2023 eastern Bering Sea bottom trawl survey to monitor energetic reserves of juvenile snow crab. Credit: NOAA Fisheries / Emily Markowitz

In 2018-2019, Alaska witnessed a near collapse of the Snow crab fishery, with the population declining by more than 90% from previous years. Since then, ongoing research has been done to explain what caused this sudden drop.  Borealization, or the northward movement of warmer ocean water, and a high population density seem to be major factors. Recently, a NOAA study on Snow crab has discovered an addition critical link to the mass mortality event that occurred.

What the NOAA Research Found

During the 2018-2019 marine heatwave and subsequent population decline, NOAA had been studying energy reserves in Snow crab. Their findings revealed that during the warmer ocean conditions and high population density, energy reserves were significantly depleted across the stock. NOAA goes on to explain that poor energetic conditions in Snow crab can cause starvation and mortality risks.

The study also found that energy stores, specifically in juvenile Snow crab, were especially low during this period. This was particularly concerning, as juvenile health directly influences future recruitment and long-term supply. Increased competition for food, paired with elevated water temperatures that raise metabolic demands, ultimately “created a perfect storm” for the population.

A Crab Health Marker

Studying the energy reserves of Snow crab have centered around one unique organ, the hepatopancreas. Traditional research methods used to evaluate fish (measuring size and weight), are less reliable for crabs due to their exoskeletons and molting cycles. As a result, researchers have turned to the hepatopancreas as a more accurate way of measuring their energetic condition.

This organ functions as the liver and the pancreas in Snow crab, and serves as their primary energy storage. By measuring the hepatopancreas weight and looking at its fatty acid concentration, scientists are better able to measure a crab’s energetic condition.

What This Research Means for Snow Crab Supply

This research provides fishery managers with a powerful new tool for understanding and forecasting changes in the Bering Sea Snow crab stock. By monitoring energetic conditions through the hepatopancreas, scientists can detect stress in the stock earlier, anticipate potential mortality events, and give fishery managers more data to make informed decisions about the fishery. This leads to better management and ensures future supply is around for generations to come.

For buyers, this is an important signal of long-term stability. Alaska’s Snow crab fishery is backed by rigorous science and research, and is one of the most well managed fisheries in all the world. While short-term fluctuation are inevitable in wild fisheries, this research strengthens confidence in the reliability of the supply and the ability to plan around any fluctuations we might see in the future.

Choose Alaska Snow Crab

Alaska snow crab is celebrated for its top tier quality, unmatched fishery management, and delicious flavor. All Alaskan fisheries adhere to strict regulations to ensure responsible harvesting techniques and habitat protection. Because of this, Alaska’s snow crab is some of the most sustainable crab on the market, and is something consumers can feel good about eating. If you’d like to talk to one of our Keyport representatives about securing some of this seasons catch, visit our Snow Crab page or request a quote!

Keyport is committed to delivering wild seafood at its greatest. Always wild-caught using responsible fishing practices, Keyport’s seafood products are available through the finest restaurants and retailers nationwide.  Best-known for premium crab, our family-owned company is built upon five generations of innovation, long-standing supplier relationships and an unwavering passion and commitment to quality.