Norton Sound Section, Shellfish, 2013
Norton Sound Section, Shellfish, 2013

Author: Scott Kent

Publisher:

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 33

ISBN-13:

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This report provides an overview of king crab resources available in the Norton Sound Section, a description of subsistence and commercial fisheries in the section, and a brief summary of research needs. Specific background is provided on those aspects of fishery management relevant to 2014 Alaska Board of Fisheries Norton Sound Section shellfish proposals. Of note is background related to (1) the documentation of a new king crab species, Hanasaki king crab (Paralithodes brevipes) in the Norton Sound Section, (2) the establishment and alteration of commercial season opening and closing dates, and (3) the establishment and modification of closed water boundaries for the summer commercial crab fishery. Management actions taken in 2013 regarding summer commercial season opening and closing dates, and closed water boundaries are provided for reference.

Analysis of Red King Crab Data from the 2011 Alaska Department of Fish and Game Trawl Survey of Norton Sound
Analysis of Red King Crab Data from the 2011 Alaska Department of Fish and Game Trawl Survey of Norton Sound

Author: Joyce Soong

Publisher:

Published: 2012

Total Pages: 40

ISBN-13:

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Reports on a trawl survey which was conducted in Norton Sound in northwest Alaska to collect and analyze information on the distribution and abundance of demersal fishes and invertebrates. The survey took place from July 18 through August 15, 2011, with primary focus on red king crab Paralithodes camtschaticus.

Red King Crab Movement, Growth, and Size Composition Within Eastern Norton Sound, Alaska, 2012-2014
Red King Crab Movement, Growth, and Size Composition Within Eastern Norton Sound, Alaska, 2012-2014

Author: Jenefer Bell

Publisher:

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 50

ISBN-13:

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The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) examined spring/summer size composition and growth, reproductive condition, movement, potential critical locations, and handling of Norton Sound red king crab (RKC) Paralithodes camtschaticus from 2012 through 2014. RKC were captured in pots in Norton Sound and all crab 71 mm carapace length (CL) and greater were tagged. Tagged RKC were recaptured during subsequent commercial and subsistence fisheries. Observers placed on commercial fishing vessels monitored capture and handling of non-target RKC (sublegal and female) and other species. A total of 19,495 RKC were tagged during the project and 1,395 crab have been recaptured. Growth increment was different between sublegal and legal RKC; molting frequency and probability were also variable depending on CL and shell condition. The majority of females had full clutches in all years of the project. Potential critical locations for juvenile crab were identified in waters around Cape Nome and west of Golovnin Bay suggesting possible rearing areas. Movement of tagged RKC was generally southwest offshore and recapture of crab tagged on the most nearshore transect was lower, suggesting heterogeneous movement behavior within the population. Handling information collected by observers in the commercial fishery identified 2 commercial fishery locations where the handling of sublegal crab was high; catches in all other fishing areas were predominantly target crab. Basic biological and life history information provided by this study will enhance fishery management decision-making for Norton Sound RKC which are locally valuable in both subsistence and commercial fisheries.