Gov. Mike Dunleavy has requested a federal disaster declaration and U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola has requested $250 million in relief funding after the failure of this year’s Bering Sea snow crab and Bristol Bay red king crab fisheries.
Peltola asked Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and the chair of the House Appropriations Committee to include relief funding for crab fishermen and the crabbing industry in Congress’ year-end appropriation bill.
Disaster relief funding could be available if Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo declares a fisheries disaster, and a day after Peltola’s request, Dunleavy formally requested that Raimondo declare a disaster.
A spokesperson for Dunleavy’s office said the timing of the two requests was not coordinated.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game canceled the crab fisheries last month, citing the low numbers of crab available to catch. This is the second year in a row without a fall Bristol Bay red king crab harvest, and it is the first winter without a snow crab harvest.
Dunleavy’s letter estimates the total lost fisheries revenue will be more than $287 million, and Peltola’s letter said the economic effects will be spread throughout western Alaska.
“Disaster funding is certainly not a long-term alternative to a productive fishery and sustainable harvest, but it is a crucial way to support people, communities and their jobs while we simultaneously support rebuilding the crab stocks,” her letter said.
Fishery disaster declarations have become increasingly common as climate change affects fisheries here. In January, Raimondo issued eight disaster declarations covering Alaska fisheries between 2018 and 2021.
Before last month’s request, Dunleavy had already asked for five fishery disaster declarations this year, according to a tally kept by the National Marine Fisheries Service. All five are still pending approval.
The AlaskaBeacon.com is a donor-funded independent news organization in Alaska.
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