Fish and Game explains factors determining total allowable catch

The annual Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Crab Industry Meeting hosted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game discussed the total allowable catch (TAC) for Bering Sea crab stocks, Tanner snow crab, and Bristol Bay red king crab. ADF&G researcher Ben Daly emphasized transparency in the decision-making process, using scientific data including population estimates and environmental factors. The meeting highlighted a slight increase in mature Bristol Bay red king crab populations and the growth of Bering Sea snow crab and Tanner crab populations, resulting in a larger fishery for the latter. The snow crab and red crab fishery is set to open on October 15. The department aims to balance conservation and economic considerations in managing the crab fisheries in Alaska. Previous trends of declining populations in some crab species seem to be reversing, leading to more optimistic outlooks for the industry. The meeting emphasized the importance of transparency in decision-making, particularly during times when fisheries need to be closed or adjusted for conservation purposes. The department’s calculations and equations for determining TAC are based on a variety of data sources and scientific research. Overall, the industry meeting provided valuable insights into the state of crab populations in the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands region and expectations for the upcoming fishing season.

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