Sustainable Marine Protection Projects in Alaska

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Keeping the Crabs in Play - Sustainable Marine Protection Efforts by Allie Moxley

Nowadays, the Green movement is all the rage...and for good reason. Food prices are on the rise; human populations are expanding, while certain animal species are in decline after years of mismanagement have depleted natural resources.

It is under this backdrop that the world is beginning to think not just about today's meals but those of future generations. Crucial to environmental issues is the idea of sustainability. When talking about seafood, sustainability refers to the capability of a practice being continued with minimal long-term effect on the environment. Like in the case of all Alaskan seafood, sustainable practices in the crabbing industry have long been in effect.

It is hard to imagine how sustainable practices are put into play when the open sea is involved. However, they are very much in place and seek to keep crabs alive, in tact, and available to the commercial and sport fishing industries.

In Alaska, there are over 40 marine protected areas (or MPA's), which are crucial in efforts to prevent over-fishing and control (and retain) population levels. Certain MPA's restrict certain types of fishing, or simply put limits on the fishing season, while other MPA's prohibit almost all commercial fishing. Such water closures have been enacted by the state to conserve stock. Crab pot fisheries are sometimes governed by such closures, and act as just one method of sustainable practices in the crabbing industry.

Historically, area closures have been used to meet changing environmental needs. Starting in 1939, to limit the catch of red king crab, trawling for crabs in the Cook Inlet was prohibited. Trawling is a fishing method where a large fishing net is actively pulled through the water behind one or more boats. There have been other measures to limit international trawling, and preserve domestic access to king crab, particularly. In 1998, a federal law was signed by then President Clinton ending King Crab fisheries in marine waters of Glacier Bay National Park.

Alaska as a state values sustainability and has put in place ample methods of controlling harvests, including crab sustainable practices that attempt to keep mortality rates low and crabs readily available to the public. Management measures implemented also seek to conserve crab habitats and avoid depleting a resource that is so beloved worldwide.

Alaska is home to an abundant variety of seafood, and offers some of the purest marine, freshwater, and upland habitats on the planet.

From the clear crystal waters comes seafood that is delicious and healthy. Alaskan seafood is low in fat but big on flavor and Omega-3 oils. You can study thousands of pages of nutritional research, or simply observe the amazing health and longevity of people in countries where seafood is the most important part of their diet. Either way, Alaskan seafood is as healthy as it is delicious.

Are you are looking for a meal that is low in saturated fat, filled with nutrients and packed with good heart healthy Omega-3s oils? Then you should start with Alaska Seafood.

http://www.alaskaseafood.org