Science Plans

Alaska King Crab Research, Rehabilitation and Biology Program (AKCRRAB)

2013

Nutrition and condition of red king crab larvae: Enhancement of king crabs to improve sustainability of Alaskan coastal communities [PDF; 205 KB]
Experiments will focus on improving the production of healthy juvenile red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) and juvenile blue king crab (Paralithodes platypus) through a multidisciplinary approach to understanding their bioenergetics and optimizing their condition.

Increasing hatchery production of blue king crab (Paralithodes platypus) with improved nutrition [PDF; 152 KB]
Experiments will focus on improving larval nutrition in an effort to improve larval condition and vulnerability to disease. Additionally, effects of habitat complexity and temperature on predation rates of juvenile survival may be explored.

Hatchery culture and release strategies for red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) [PDF; 56 KB]
Experiments will investigate effects of broodstock origin on large-scale production using alternate stocks. Additionally, survival of juvenile crabs at different sizes and seasons will be investigated.
Refinement of red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) hatchery culture [PDF; 36 KB]
Experiments will investigate effects of stock origin on larval survival and evaluate methods for physically tagging juveniles.
Optimizing hatchery conditions for blue king crab (Paralithodes platypus) larvae [PDF; 196 KB]
Experiments will continue to refine rearing protocols for blue king crab in an attempt to duplicate success seen with red king crab hatchery production. Experiments will investigate effects temperature on larval survival. Additionally, effects of diet and stocking density on juvenile survival will be explored.

Techniques for Culture of King Crab at the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery [PDF; 164 KB]
Experiments will further explore effects of diet, stocking density, tank design, and water temperature on survival, bacteria load in rearing tanks, and intermolt period. Continuing hatchery scale experiments is important to maximize production and cost effectiveness.

Techniques for Culture of King Crab at the Alutiiq Pride Shellfish Hatchery [PDF; 282 KB]
Experiments will further explore effects of diet, stocking density, and water temperature on survival, bacteria load in rearing tanks, and intermolt period.
2009 Red King Crab Juvenile Rearing Experiments [PDF; 100 KB]
This study will test effects of diet, stocking densities, and size grading on survival, growth, and coloration of juvenile king crab using indoor rearing tanks as nurseries for mass culture.