Alaska King Crab Research, Rehabilitation and Biology Program (AKCRRAB)
Initiative summary
The Alaska King Crab Research, Rehabilitation and Biology (AKCRRAB) Program is an Alaska Sea Grant partnership with regional fishermen’s groups, coastal communities, NOAA Fisheries, the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery and Chugach Regional Resources Commission, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, to conduct a research program aimed at hatching and rearing wild red and blue king crabs in a large-scale hatchery setting. This coalition of state, federal, and stakeholder groups views the effort as important to the region’s long-term economic development and sustainability.
Mission
To understand the large-scale culturing needs of wild red and blue king crab stocks, and to perfect strategies for hatching and rearing king crab to a stage where they can be released into the wild and contribute to reversing low wild stock abundance in Alaska. Acquiring this knowledge base will aid policymakers in making informed decisions about whether to one day pursue active rehabilitation of depressed wild king crab stocks through hatchery enhancement.
Goal
To enhance depressed king crab populations throughout Alaska.
