Seems the young crab like cooler water, more likely their food source likes cooler water. They normally did a 1000 mile migration during which larger males would congregate in a cool pool of the Bering sea which is where the crab boats caught them during the season. The current population was still recovering from over fishing in 1991. If their food sources disappeared, then so might have the crab.
Clearly illegal harvesting is the simpilest explanation. You think the RUSSIANS give 2 shits about ANY International Laws now?
“climate change. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Alaska is the fastest warming state in the country, and is losing billions of tons of ice each year — critical for crabs that need cold water to survive. "Environmental conditions are changing rapidly," Daly said. "We've seen warm conditions in the Bering Sea the last couple of years, and we're seeing a response in a cold adapted species, so it's pretty obvious this is connected. It is a canary in a coal mine for other species that need cold water."
king crab season has been closed too. It is going to decimate some of the towns and businesses that depend on the crab fishery and is going to make my New Year eve dinner a lot more expensive this year.
The king salmon runs have been collapsing too. Several premium king areas have been closed to fishing the last couple of years
I found this to be good news. You probably don't need to rake your leaves this fall, experts say. Here's why. — USA TODAY
Although both the Chinese and Russians have history of illegal fishing, the Chinese more so than the Russians, I don't think they're guilty in this case simply because it would be virtually impossible for illegal crabbing on a massive scale to go undetected.
Grew up eating blue crab, lived in S Louisiana for 4 years as a kid in early 70's and blue crab was a staple but after having king, not going back.so much less work, and better flavor and texture
