CRAB

While Dutch Harbor has been named the nation's top fishing port in terms of volume for the 22nd consecutive year, the port dropped from second to third place in terms of value.

According to an annual National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report released last month, the Port of Dutch Harbor led the nation with 763 million pounds of seafood landed in 2018, worth $182 million. But the value of landings in Naknek, Alaska, rose to $195 million. 

The Eastern Aleutian District tanner crab fishery is closed this winter.

The small commercial fishery often opens in January, with two or three local boats harvesting bairdi in state waters around Unalaska and Akutan islands. 

But just like last year, the state's trawl survey indicated low numbers of mature males, forcing managers to close the 2020 season.

Commercial fishing opens Tuesday, Oct. 15 for Bristol Bay red king crab.

This season, the declining population has forced managers to set the total allowable catch (TAC) at 3.8 million pounds.

That number is 12 percent lower than last year, as well as the lowest since the fishery was rationalized in 2005. Even if fishermen catch all of the TAC, it'll be the smallest harvest since 1982.