In Alaska, protecting the future of both the stocks and environment take priority over opportunities for commercial harvest. Federal and State agencies jointly manage the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands golden king crab stocks, whereas the ADF&G solely manages Southeast Alaska crab stocks. Additional measures, such as the Crab Rationalization Program and a stringent onboard observer program ensure sustainably harvested wild Alaska golden king crab will be available for generations to come.
The Alaska king crab fishery is certified by an independent standard for sustainable fisheries, Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM).
Famous Shellfish: The Bering Sea red king crab fishery is prominently featured as part of the Discovery Channel’s hit reality show “Deadliest Catch.”
Red king crab is historically the most commercially valuable shellfish in Alaska, roughly 854 million pounds, worth $2.5 billion* has been harvested since 1975. *Not adjusted for inflation