The U.S. Department of Commerce has allocated USD 40 million (EUR 36 million) in financial relief to fishers and businesses impacted by the 2023/2024 Alaska Bering Sea snow crab fishery.
“As climate change continues to have severe impacts on the fisheries and ecosystems that are vital to Alaska’s economy, the Department of Commerce remains committed to providing disaster relief across the state,” U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo said. “This funding will help Alaskans recover from the Bering Sea Snow Crab Fishery disaster, support the community’s efforts to prevent future disasters, and keep jobs, recreation and cultural connections thriving.”
NOAA scientists have recommended keeping the fishery closed since the snow crab population dropped in 2021, which they blame on an ecological shift from Arctic to sub-Arctic conditions in the southeastern Bering Sea. In May 2024, NOAA Fisheries officially determined that a fishery disaster had taken place in the fishery during the 2023-2024 season, with the cancelled season resulting in zero revenue.
Funding for the financial relief was provided through the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Acts of 2022 and 2023, according to the Department of Commerce. NOAA Fisheries noted that all remaining funding would be used for the disaster, although it is a smaller relief package than in previous seasons. The agency noted that if additional funding is made available by Congress, it would consider allocating more money to those impacted by the closed Bering Sea snow crab fishery.
“NOAA recognizes the critical role of Bering Sea crab fisheries to Alaska’s economic well-being," NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit said. "These funds will help the affected communities recover and take action to prevent future disasters."
