North Pacific Council Wrestles with Protecting Habitat and Crab from Trawling
Press Release Date: June 9, 2026
Location: Vancouver, WA
Contact:
Jamie Karnik | email: jkarnik@oceana.org | tel: 907-635-8722
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council took the next step toward limiting pelagic trawl impacts on seafloor habitats and marine life, including red king crab.
Pelagic trawling is allowed in many sensitive areas closed to bottom trawling in both the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska. Despite claims that pelagic trawls stay in the water column and do not touch the ocean floor, thereby avoiding irreversible damage to coral and other essential habitats, data shows these massive trawls frequently drag the seafloor in pursuit of bottom fish like Alaska pollock.
Late yesterday, following hours of public testimony, the federal fishery council requested more information to help them identify “options for viable and enforceable mechanisms to reduce bottom contact” by pelagic trawls, particularly inside conservation areas already closed to bottom trawl gear.
The council also advanced an analysis of a new conservation area to protect Tanner crab from bottom trawling off the east side of Kodiak Island, in an area called the Barbabas Gully. The council is also considering opening an area to bottom trawling off the northeast side of Kodiak Island, known as Marmot Flats, that has been closed since 1987 to protect red king crab. The Tanner crab fishery off Kodiak is closed for the 2026 season due to low crab numbers and the Kodiak red king crab fishery has been closed for decades.
Oceana submitted letters in support of protecting seafloor habitats from pelagic trawl gear and protecting Tanner crab off Kodiak Island. After the council action, Oceana’s North Pacific Campaign Manager and Marine Scientist Lauren Hynes released the following statement:
“Any industrial fishing gear that drags thick chains along the seafloor threatens crab, corals, and other sensitive habitats and, in doing so, jeopardizes the long-term health and productivity of important fisheries and ocean ecosystems. Science has shown that massive, so-called ‘pelagic’ trawls often drag across the seafloor and should be managed appropriately, including avoiding areas already closed to bottom trawling.”
“Habitat protection areas are vital for the long-term survival of Tanner crab off Kodiak and the viability of the economically vital fishery those crabs support. We’re encouraged that the council is considering alternatives for a new Tanner crab conservation area off Kodiak Island that will not only enhance crab protections but also support the local Tanner crab fishery. Oceana urges the council to reject the proposal to open the red king crab conservation area at Marmot Flats to bottom trawling.”
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