WHO WE ARE
MISSION AND GOALS
We seek to continue to be vigilant stewards of our crab resources and the environment, provide economic stability to our industry and Alaska's coastal communities, promote safety at sea, and produce premier crab products for our American and global customers. Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers will stand together to be actively involved in all aspects of crab fishery research, sound management, and marketing. We will be proactive advocates to benefit the crab resource and the independently-owned businesses of Alaska's Bering Sea crab fisheries. By participating in the regulatory process, we can continue to make a positive difference for the fishing fleets and families that depend on our crab fisheries for their livelihood.
OUR HISTORY
King crab stocks in the Bering Sea have supported a valuable commercial fishery for more than 75 years, and nearly 50 years for snow crab. Foreign owned vessels fished in Alaska's waters without restriction until the Magnuson-Stevens Act created a 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone. The Act mandated the phase-out of foreign vessels and led to the development of U.S. Fishery Management Plans that formed the foundation for sustainable fisheries. The U.S. fleet has operated under harvest limits for over 30 years and only adult males are retained for sale. Female and juvenile crab are carefully released in order to maintain the productivity of the stock.
Advocating for sustainable fisheries, sound science, economic stability, and safety in our crab fisheries.
How We Fish
The waters of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands are home to several different crab fisheries that members of the Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers depend upon. These fisheries are managed under an innovative catch share program (also called crab rationalization). Approximately 70 vessels participate, fishing with fixed, single pot gear. The Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands crab fisheries provide wholesome and delicious, sustainable crab to customers around the world.
