Bairdi crab, also known as Tanner crab is a fascinating crustacean that plays an important role in the waters off Alaska. However this delicious crab has a complex history involving conservation efforts, sustainability regulations, and even controversy.
In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why harvesting Bairdi crab is illegal in many situations. We’ll look at the biology of this species, historical overfishing, and current management practices. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the regulations around Bairdi crab fishing.
Bairdi crab (Chionoecetes bairdi) is a species of Tanner crab found in the cold waters of the Bering Sea near Alaska. It goes by several common names including Tanner crab, snow crab, and bairdi Tanner crab.
These large crabs can reach sizes over 5 inches in carapace width and weigh up to 5 pounds. Their shells often display a mottled pattern of reds, browns, and whites to mimic the ocean floor
Bairdi crabs are slow-growing, taking 4-5 years to reach maturity. Females produce clutch sizes around 250,000 eggs. The larvae float freely in the water column before settling to the seafloor.
These crabs prefer temperatures between 34-50°F and live at depths of 200 to 700 feet. Their range extends from Alaska’s Aleutian Islands to Russia’s Commander Islands.
Bairdi crabs are omnivorous, feeding on worms, clams, snails, barnacles, algae, and even other crabs. In turn, they fall prey to groundfish like cod, halibut, and pollock.
The Rise of the Bairdi Fishery
Commercial fishing for Bairdi crab began in earnest in the 1960s off the coast of Alaska. Fleets discovered these large, tasty crabs were abundant in the eastern Bering Sea.
By the 1970s, the fishery was landing upwards of 90 million pounds annually! Bairdi crab became a lucrative fishery, supporting processing plants and fishing towns in Alaska.
However, this boom would soon go bust due to overfishing.
The Crash of the 1980s
By the 1980s, unregulated fishing had taken its toll on Bairdi stocks. Heavy harvesting disrupted reproduction and removed too many adult crabs from the population.
Landings declined sharply through the decade, bottoming out at just 2 million pounds in 1995 – a nearly 95% drop!
Biologists warned that the Bairdi fishery was on the brink of collapse. Drastic measures were needed to allow the population to recover.
Closure of the Fishery in the 1990s
In 1996, Alaska banned all Bairdi crab fishing to allow the species to rebound. This moratorium lasted nearly a decade until 2005.
During the closure, scientists conducted surveys to monitor the crab’s recovery. The results were mixed – some areas showed population growth, while others remained depleted.
Meanwhile, coastal towns that relied on crab fishing suffered economically. The closure rippled across related industries from processing to shipping.
The Quota System of Today
When Alaska reopened Bairdi fishing in 2005, regulators implemented a strict quota system to prevent overfishing.
Now the allowable catch each year depends on scientific surveys of the crab’s biomass and population models. From 2010-2020, quotas ranged from 4.3 to 15 million pounds annually.
Specific regulations include:
- Size limits: Only mature male crabs of a certain carapace width can be retained.
- Season closures: Fishing not permitted during mating and molting periods.
- Gear restrictions: Regulations on pot mesh size and escape mechanisms.
- Bycatch limits: Non-target species must be returned to the sea.
- Individual fishing quotas: The total allowable catch divided between vessels.
Why Most Bairdi Fishing Remains Illegal
While limited harvesting of Bairdi crab is permitted, regulations keep the majority of potential fishing closed:
- Fishing without an assigned vessel quota is prohibited. No open access.
- Retaining Bairdi crab outside the fishing season is illegal.
- Capture of females and juveniles banned to support reproduction.
- Only approved commercial gear can be used. No recreational harvest.
- All catch must be reported and documented.
- Violators face severe penalties including fines, imprisonment, and loss of fishing permits.
Essentially, harvesting Bairdi crab outside the bounds of strict regulations is illegal due to conservation concerns. Responsible management is necessary to sustain the population.
Looking Ahead for Bairdi Crab
Today, the situation for Bairdi crab remains precarious. While no longer severely depleted, stocks fluctuate and warming oceans pose an emerging threat.
However, careful monitoring and adaptive management provide hope. The quota system, when diligently enforced, should allow controlled harvesting while preventing another collapse.
The story of Bairdi crab illustrates how unchecked exploitation can rapidly deplete fisheries. But collective action to conserve marine resources can bring species back from the brink.
While restrictions may frustrate some fishermen, they protect the long-term sustainability of the fishery. If history has taught us anything, it’s that unregulated harvesting inevitably destroys populations and livelihoods dependent on them.
So while most Bairdi crab fishing is now illegal, these regulations aim to preserve the species for generations to come. With wise management informed by science, Bairdi crab should continue delighting seafood lovers – sustainably and responsibly.
NOAA Fisheries Crab Management
NOAA Fisheries annually surveys the BSAI crab stocks to estimate crab abundance. NOAA Fisheries and the State of Alaska use this information to determine the status of the stocks and to set the harvest levels. The State of Alaska also conducts research to collect and evaluate basic life history data, characterize stock distribution, and develop methods to improve the fisheries and reduce bycatch.
Alaska’s Bairdi Crab Fishery Could Be Cancelled Until 2019
FAQ
Why is bairdi crab illegal in the US?
Can you eat bairdi crab?
Ask any Alaska fisherman their favorite crab, and they’ll say bairdi. Bairdi crabs (pronounced bear-die) are larger, meatier, and sweeter than traditional snow crab. Get crackin’ with 1½ lbs of wild-caught bairdi crab.
What’s the difference between Bairdi and Opilio crab?
Bairdi is sometimes referred to as ‘Giant Snow Crab’ because it is larger than its Opilio counterpart. Opilio crab typically weigh 1-2 pounds at harvest, while Bairdi can range from 2-4 pounds making them more desirable for their higher meat fill.
Why is Alaska banned from crab fishing?
For two years in a row, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game canceled the snow crab season in the Bering Sea after biologists discovered an estimated 10 billion crabs had mysteriously disappeared — a 90% plunge in the population.