Millions of snow crabs have vanished from the waters of Alaska, potentially due to warmer ocean temperatures causing them to starve, as reported by CNN. This discovery comes after the Alaska Department of Fish and Game canceled the snow crab harvest season for the second consecutive year due to the overwhelming shortage of crabs in the Bering Sea.
A study recently published by scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reveals a significant correlation between marine heat waves in the eastern Bering Sea and the sudden disappearance of snow crabs. These crabs, which began to decline in surveys conducted in 2021, have yet to make a resurgence in numbers, leaving experts concerned.
Cody Szuwalski, the lead author of the study and a fishery biologist at NOAA, expressed astonishment upon receiving the 2021 survey data which indicated the decline of snow crabs. As the situation worsened in 2022, Szuwalski mentioned that it became clear that addressing this issue would be a long and challenging process.
Although catchers initially attributed the population decline to overfishing, experts stated that the term “overfished” merely triggers conservation measures and does not fully explain the collapse. Szuwalski emphasized the impact of climate change on their plans, models, and management systems, stating that it poses a significant challenge to fisheries scientists.
In their investigation, scientists explored two possibilities for the disappearance of snow crabs: migration or mortality. After examining areas north of the Bering Sea, Russian waters, and deeper ocean levels, they concluded that it was unlikely the crabs had migrated, making mortality a likely driver of the decline.
The study found a strong correlation between warmer temperatures, higher population density, and increased mortality rates among mature crabs. The hungry crabs suffered from the effects of warmer ocean water, disrupting their metabolism and increasing their caloric needs.
Snow crabs are typically found in cold-water regions where temperatures are below two degrees Celsius, although they can withstand waters up to 12 degrees Celsius. The study suggests that the warmer ocean temperatures have significantly impacted the crabs’ survival and reproductive abilities.
The disappearance of snow crabs in Alaska is a concerning development with potential ecological and economic consequences. This issue highlights the need for further research and adaptive management strategies to address the effects of climate change on marine species.
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