In 2022, billions snow crabs disappeared from Mare in Beringcausing concern among scientists and fishermen in Alaska. It wasn’t about overfishing, but the water heating which accelerated the crabs’ metabolismleading them to starvation. The study conducted by NOAA, led by Michael Litzowhighlighted that the Bering Sea is becoming less arcticwith warmer, ice-free conditions about 200 times more likely than before, threatening the entire marine ecosystem.
Snow crabs have been hit hard by a marine heat wave with dire consequences for Alaska fisheries
Snow crabs, which they thrive in waters below 2°Cthey were severely affected by a marine heat wave in 2018-2019which pushed their metabolism to the limit without enough food to survive. This event has devastated Alaska’s fishing industryone of the most important for the local economy, with an annual value of up to 227 million dollars. Litzow warned that the industry will have to adapt quickly to these new climatic conditions.
Warming has not only reduced the snow crab population, but it is also paving the way for new marine species, like the Pacific codwhich invaded the crabs’ traditionally cold waters during the heat wave, competing for food resources and accelerating the decline of the crab population.
Arctic ecosystems are transforming due to climate change
Climate transformations are leading to significant changes in Arctic ecosystemswith impacts that go beyond simple fishing. The Arctic region is warming four times faster than the rest of the worldand the Bering Sea became a kind of alarm signal for what might happen in the future. Scientists are working to improve monitoring and response to these changes, using advanced technologies such as drones and artificial intelligence.
The drastic change taking place requires a greater attention and awarenessas the impacts of climate change are putting the livelihoods of entire communities that depend on these ecosystems, making the future uncertain for many species and the people who rely on them.
