# Alaska Snow Crab season canceled after 1 billion crabs go missing **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [October 14, 2022, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254 "2022-10-14T14:36:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2022, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/61 "2022-10-18T18:28:34Z")
I have read some stuff on this. While indeed, overfishing is the main cause of the overall decline, this recent rapid disappearance may be related to Global Warming. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2022, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/62 "2022-10-18T18:29:53Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > If the crabs start crossbreeding with the bees in a desperate measure to support both their fading lineages soon we’ll have an infestation of swarming flying crabs. Or maybe stinging sea-bottom creatures. And, if they hook up with the [humongous giant clams](https://genius.com/Arlo-guthrie-the-story-of-reuben-clamzo-and-his-strange-daughter-in-the-key-of-a-lyrics), that have grown feet and become intelligent, then we are in for a world of hurt. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [October 18, 2022, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/63 "2022-10-18T18:42:21Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > And, if they hook up with the [humongous giant clams](https://genius.com/Arlo-guthrie-the-story-of-reuben-clamzo-and-his-strange-daughter-in-the-key-of-a-lyrics), that have grown feet and become intelligent, then we are in for a world of hurt. [![](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSEdlLjqlWeVSTMhFX2-ap3EQNvA02vB88nDbxRYq9-ag&s) ](https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSEdlLjqlWeVSTMhFX2-ap3EQNvA02vB88nDbxRYq9-ag&s) ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2023, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/64 "2023-10-20T14:37:10Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > While indeed, overfishing is the main cause of the overall decline, this recent rapid disappearance may be related to Global Warming. Looks like this is indeed the culprit: [https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/19/us/alaska-crabs-ocean-heat-climate/index.html](https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/19/us/alaska-crabs-ocean-heat-climate/index.html) ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [October 20, 2023, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/65 "2023-10-20T19:31:05Z")
> [@solost](#): > > Looks like this is indeed the culprit: Well, it’s nice to be right at least once. 🤪 ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2023, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/66 "2023-10-21T01:21:30Z")
Pick something different to be right about because this one sucks. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2023, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/67 "2023-10-21T01:24:37Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > The loss of edible ocean life is a huge concern, and has been for years. We’re going to drive the bluefin tuna to extinction soon and they’re the tip of a scary iceberg. I remember seeing an interview with a Japanese fishmonger, well, some dude who bought tuna for fancy sushi restaurants, and even he said people would probably have to stop eating tuna for a bit before the population was completed depleted. And this was years ago. ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2023, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/68 "2023-10-21T01:35:18Z")
This is terrible news. Another potential extinction is upon us. > [@Odesio](#): > > he said people would probably have to stop eating tuna for a bit before the population was completed depleted. And this was years ago. My understanding is that tuna is also endangered, but more from overfishing than from climate change. It’s a delicious fish in many different forms, from everyday tuna salad to the finest _otoro_ sushi, so it’s much (too much) in demand. ---
**Author:** ![Disinfectus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/disinfectus/32/11085_2.png) [@Disinfectus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disinfectus)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2023, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/69 "2023-10-21T01:41:25Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > If the crabs start crossbreeding with the bees in a desperate measure to support both their fading lineages soon we’ll have an infestation of swarming flying crabs. Or maybe stinging sea-bottom creatures. > > Let’s hope for the latter. Swarms of flying crabs are not a sight I want to see. Because this is such a funny subject! ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2023, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/70 "2023-10-21T03:00:24Z")
Laugh or cry, dude. Laugh or cry. ---
**Author:** ![Disinfectus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/disinfectus/32/11085_2.png) [@Disinfectus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disinfectus)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2023, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/71 "2023-10-21T03:26:39Z")
I’m not ready to start laughing about species going extinct. Hope I never get to that point. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2023, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/72 "2023-10-21T05:48:35Z")
The inappropriate joke writes itself, but I won’t. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2023, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/73 "2023-10-21T06:29:03Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Pick something different to be right about because this one sucks. Well, I _am_ Doctor Deth. > [@wolfpup](#): > > My understanding is that tuna is also endangered, but more from overfishing than from climate change. Many species of tuna, but the pacific bluefin tuna is Near Threatened. The big ones are almost all gone. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2023, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/74 "2023-10-21T13:57:08Z")
> [@Disinfectus](#): > > I’m not ready to start laughing about species going extinct. Maybe in 60 million years? [![](https://www.dinofan.com/Collectibles/ItemImages/45867490.jpg) ](https://www.dinofan.com/Collectibles/ItemImages/45867490.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2023, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/75 "2023-10-21T20:41:03Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > > [@wolfpup](#): > > > > My understanding is that tuna is also endangered, but more from overfishing than from climate change. > > Many species of tuna, but the pacific bluefin tuna is Near Threatened. The big ones are almost all gone. While I would never minimize the problem of overfishing, turns out my understanding is slightly wrong. Yes, Pacific bluefin tuna is considered “near threatened”, but that’s still above “vulnerable” (bigeye tuna) and “endangered” (southern bluefin). Other species of tuna are doing relatively well, including Atlantic bluefin. Probably not a coincidence that the most threatened species are the ones considered best for sushi. ---
**Author:** ![Darren\_Garrison](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/darren_garrison/32/92_2.png) [@Darren\_Garrison](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darren_Garrison)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/76 "2024-08-29T22:28:02Z")
Winter is coming for the snow crabs. [https://www.science.org/content/article/alaskan-snow-crab-fishery-walloped-climate-change-may-never-fully-recover](https://www.science.org/content/article/alaskan-snow-crab-fishery-walloped-climate-change-may-never-fully-recover) ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/77 "2024-08-29T23:05:29Z")
Too soon. ---
**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/78 "2024-08-29T23:07:22Z")
If the crab fisheries close just think of all the jobs that would be lost…at the Discovery Channel. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/79 "2024-08-29T23:07:40Z")
The Alaskans should have been out there in boats playing “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” at full volume. ---
**Author:** ![Babale](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/babale/32/15666_2.png) [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2024, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254/80 "2024-08-29T23:34:51Z")
> [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](#): > > Maybe in 60 million years? Dude! Too soon. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alaska-snow-crab-season-canceled-after-1-billion-crabs-go-missing/973254.md?page=3)