New genetic research on Alaska red king crab stocks indicates previously undetermined genetic diversity, enhancing the species' resilience to climate change. The study, released on January 2, was conducted by researchers from NOAA Fisheries' Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Cornell University, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
The research utilized whole genome sequencing, allowing scientists to read the complete genetic narrative of the organism rather than just segments. Red king crabs inhabit various environments, including coastal bays, open sea shelves, and glacial melt-fed fjords within the Gulf of Alaska and Southeast Alaska.
Previously, it was hypothesized that king crab populations in these regions were divided into three genetic groups: Gulf of Alaska/East Bering Sea, Southeast Alaska, and Aleutian Islands/Norton Sound. This study examined genetic structures across five regions, revealing significant genetic diversity within populations and among regions, even between populations separated by a few hundred kilometers.
Wes Larson, co-author and genetics program manager at the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, emphasized the increasing engagement of fishermen and community members in these studies, which fosters innovative research. He noted the surprising genetic isolation of crab populations, despite their pelagic larvae, which could be distributed by ocean currents.
The researchers identified distinct genetic differences between Gulf of Alaska and East Bering Sea crabs, with the East Bering Sea subdivided into Bristol Bay and Pribilof Islands populations. Additionally, Aleutian Islands and Norton Sound/Chukchi Sea crabs were found to be genetically unique.
Data from this study will inform efforts to prevent overfishing of genetically unique populations. Further research may reveal which populations are more likely to thrive under future climate conditions. Although the Gulf of Alaska population is currently depressed, researchers found no evidence of reduced genetic diversity, suggesting that genetic health remains intact despite population decline.