Climate Change Linked to Disappearance of Billions of Snow Crabs in Alaska

Massive crab starvation attributed to rising sea temperatures and disruption of food chain; marine heat waves pinpointed as key factor in ecological disaster, impacting Alaska's economy and fishing industry.

Studies show that climate change and rising sea temperatures were key factors in the disappearance of billions of snow crabs in Alaska between 2018 and 2021. Experts state that warmer waters made the crabs hungrier, tripled their caloric needs and disrupted their food chain leading to mass starvation.
The situation was further worsened by the intrusion of Pacific cod into the crabs' habitat due to warmer waters. These fish preyed on what little was left of the snow crab population leading to even further depletion.
Crab harvest season was canceled for the second consecutive year due to the significant decline in the snow crab population. This has negatively affected Alaska's economy and fishing industry, as the snow crab industry was previously valued at over $200 million.
Scientists initially considered two possibilities for the disappearance of the crabs: either they moved or died. However, after thorough examination, it was concluded that they likely didn't migrate and most probably starved to death.
Few creatures like the sablefish and walleye pollock seemed to thrive in the warmer water temperatures, indicating that some species may be able to adapt quicker to such environmental changes. But as climate change progresses, researchers predict that the overall species composition in the Bering Sea will likely drastically change.