Crabs of the Bering Sea
Since 2005, Discovery Channel has been airing a reality TV series called Deadliest Catch about the fishing fleet that hunts different species of crabs in the Bering Sea. They show the hard working conditions of the brave fishermen, who work in one of the most dangerous jobs in the world in a deadly, cold sea.
One of the most interesting aspects of the show is discovering all about the crabs they risk their lives for. Stay at AnimalWised to learn about the crabs of the Bering Sea.
Red King Crab
The red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus), also known as Alaskan king crab, is characterized by its gigantic size and its bright, deep red color. This is the main target of the Alaskan fisher fleet.
Before describing the actual crab, though, we must say that this kind of fishing is strictly controlled under standardized guidelines. It's sustainable fishing; both male and female crabs that don't reach a minimum size are immediately returned to the sea, and the quotas are highly restrictive.
The red king crab's shell can be 28 cm (11 inches) wide, and the total reach of its legs when spread can be of 1.80 meters (5'10''). This is the most valued species of crab in the world, and it's no surprise.
Blue King Crab
The blue king crab (Paralithodes platypus) is another very valuable species found in the Bering Sea, more particularly in St. Matthew Island and the Pribilof and Diomede Islands. As the name points out, they have a brown color with blue reflections.
This species can weigh up to 8 kg (18 pounds), and it's notable for having bigger pincers than all other crabs. It is more delicate than the red king crab, perhaps because it inhabits colder waters.
Snow crab
The snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) is another species of crab of the Bering Sea. It is much smaller than the king crabs described above, as they are only 15 cms (5.9 inches) wide.
Fishing snow crabs is especially dangerous, since it must be done in January, the harshest, coldest month in the Arctic winter. Therefore, fishing fleets are highly regulated by the authorities.
Bairdi crab
The bairdi crab (Chionoecetes bairdi), also called tanner crab, almost became extinct in the 1980s due to overfishing. Its fishing was banned until the 21st century, when harsh quotes were introduced. These strategies have helped the tanner crab population get back to almost normal levels.
Golden crab
The golden crab (Chaceon fenneri) is found near the Aleutian Islands. This species is also smaller than king crabs, with a shell or carapace 20 cm (almost 8 inches) wide. It is a very common crab of the Bering Sea, and it's notable for its beautiful golden orange shade.
Scarlet king crab
The scarlet king crab (Lithodes couesi) is very rare and therefore very valued. It shouldn't be confused with the scarlet hermit crab, which is found in warmer climates.
It lives in deeper waters than the other king crabs, and its legs are very long. Its carapace is 11.5 cm (4.5 inches) wide.
Dungeness Crab
The Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) is a much more common species, and it is found all across the American west coast beyond the Bering Sea. It is very important in the international market, as its flesh is supposedly very good.
Its carapace or shell is 20 cm (7.9 inches) wide, although it can be bigger than that.
Fishing crabs in the Bering Sea
The fishermen of the Bering Sea use fishing creels or baskets, only much bigger than your usual ones. These fishing creels are a kind of big, metallic cages. The bait - usually cod, although it can be other food - is placed inside. They're thrown into the water and gathered after 12 to 24 hours later.
Of course, each variety of crab is caught with different techniques and tools and at different depths and seasons. All fisher fleets must stay within their quota. Fishing vessels in the Bering Sea can face waves up to 12 meters (39'4'') high, along with temperatures of -30º C (-22º F). It really is a very dangerous job, and fishermen die every year.
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