SCIENCE

The Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers (ABSC) work collaboratively with both federal and state government agencies, as well as academia and the Bering Sea Fisheries Research Foundation, towards sound science and fishery management solutions that are both sustainable for the resource and beneficial to the fishing businesses and communities that rely on it.

CURRENT TOPICS

Changing Ocean Conditions

Ocean conditions appear to be changing in the Bering Sea, with less cold pools (bottom temperatures less than 2 degrees C (36 degrees F)) and increasing ocean acidification. ABSC is tracking these issues and is concerned about their long-term impact on crab stocks.

Bycatch

ABSC explores ways to reduce bycatch in fixed gear and trawl fisheries through gear modifications, bycatch limits, closed areas, and improved monitoring. The term "bycatch" refers to discarded catch of marine species caught during fishing operations.

Sea lions outside Petersburg AK basking in the warm summer weather.

WHAT IS OCEAN ACIDIFICATION?
check out the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network to learn more

SUSTAINABILITY

US crab fisheries are sustainable, meaning the crab are harvested at levels that the population can continue to maintain and reproduce. The solid foundation of science and management ensures the sustainability and health of the resource. Sustainability is of utmost importance to the Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers because we have a vested interest in this fishery supporting our communities, families, and businesses for generations to come. The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, also called the MSA or Magnuson-Stevens Act, is the cornerstone of US fisheries management and the governing law that sets the US as a world leader in sustainable fisheries management. The Magnuson-Stevens Act demands the best available science as the basis for managing the resource and sets progressively protective measures in place when crab populations are low to help rebuild the stock. To complement the federal requirements for sustainability, the state of Alaska also has measures in place to protect and rebuild crab when populations are low.

For more information on Alaska's sustainable crab fisheries, visit

Monterey Bay Aquarium's internationally recognized Seafood Watch Program which rates Alaska crab as a "best choice" for sustainable seafood.
Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) Certification, a Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) recognized sustainability certification meeting the FAO Guidelines for the Ecolabelling of Fish and Fishery Products from Marine Capture Fisheries.