Setting standards for sustainability in seafood harvesting, Alaska's King and Snow Crab Seasons are known for being strict and well managed. As resources, Paralithodes camtschaticus and Chionoecetes opilio, or King Crab and Snow Crab, respectively, are invaluable to Alaskan fisheries. Amongst other things these specific seasons affect supply and demand, which in turn affects price and availability of these tasty Alaskan specimens. A pioneer in implementing sustainability guidelines, the Alaskan constitution, mandates utilizing, developing and maintaining Alaska's fish on the "sustained yield" principle.

King Crab is popular for its sweet flavor and tender texture. Its large size and rich meat make it a favorite amongst seafood connoisseurs. Its similar but smaller counterpart, the Snow Crab, is known for its snowy-white meat, tender texture, and unique sweet and delicate flavor. Both are highly versatile for use in cooking, making them the stars of many restaurant menus and home kitchens. Snow and King crabs that come from the icy waters of Alaska are especially renowned for their superior qualities and flavors.

So how is it decided just how many crabs can be harvested and when? Alaska's King and Snow Crab Seasons are set by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game based on surveys undergone during the summer months. The number of crabs which can be harvested may undergo big swings depending on the results of these surveys. Generally their seasons fall between the months of January to March, with King Crab coming back into season in the fall around October and November. For these reasons an unlimited supply of crabs in not guaranteed annually, however, fresh freezing has made it so that "fresh" Alaskan crabs are available year-round.

Crabbing can be a dangerous business, and increased awareness has been brought to the difficulties crabbing vessels face thanks to media and television in recent years. With economic troubles sweeping the nation there has been some trouble in getting restaurants to buy King and Snow crab due to rising prices. However, with public demand for fresh, wild, sustainable seafood ever increasing, Alaska's King and Snow Crab Seasons will continue to serve their purpose of providing an environmentally sound product to the world's seafood markets.