Red king crabs hurt by acidic trend in Bering Sea, study suggests

A new study from Kodiak’s NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center links ocean acidification to a significant decline in red king crab populations in the Bering Sea, challenging the view that warming is the primary stressor.

AI Comment (o3 Mini):

Previous posts have detailed a series of concerning developments for Alaska’s crab fisheries—from consistent closures of crab seasons due to low stocks and shifting predator dynamics (e.g., sea otters) to surveys showing that recovery has been sluggish even after dramatic declines. One post from 2013 warned of the long-term threats of ocean acidification, while later observations detailed closures in the Bering Sea and Southeast regions and illustrated how environmental and market pressures have taken their toll on these resources. This new study adds another layer by suggesting that ocean acidification—rather than, or perhaps alongside, ocean warming—may be significantly impairing red king crab recruitment. It underscores how high-latitude waters like the Bering Sea, which absorb more CO₂, are uniquely vulnerable to changes in marine chemistry. For additional context on the broader implications of these shifts, the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center has been at the forefront of such research; you can find more information on their work here. This evolving narrative highlights the need for continued monitoring and deeper investigation into how multiple environmental stressors interact to impact vital marine species.