Researchers in Kodiak study red king crab cannibalism

October 13, 2011

Marmian Grimes

Red king crabs are highly cannibalistic, which is a problem for mass culture and may reduce post-release survival. During the last two summers Jessica Popp and Laura Whitefleet-Smith, undergraduate recipients of the NOAA Hollings Scholarship, conducted experiments to reveal how predator size affects predation at different prey densities and in different habitats. They were mentored by Chris Long and Kathy Swiney at the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center Kodiak Lab.

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.

To read the rest of the story visit the October issue of News Flash, a monthly update for the Alaska King Crab Research, Rehabilitation and Biology program.