King crab fishing is generally and statistically considered to be one of the most dangerous jobs in North America. When we want to have king crab legs for dinner, most of us can just head down to the local fish market. But besides learning how to cook king crab legs, which sometimes proves troublesome itself, we don't quite think about how difficult it is to catch these world-famous king crabs, indisputably the most popular crab in the seafood world.
Every season, hundreds of crab fishermen live through severe and extreme weather and work conditions. The fatality rate is about 90 times more than that of the average worker in the United States. It is considered a more dangerous job than commercial fishing because of the even more dangerous conditions of the Bering Sea, especially during the seasons the fishermen head out. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 142 fatalities out of 100,000 fishermen. However, Alaskan king crab fishing reported more than 300 fatalities out of 100,000 fishermen. Drowning and hypothermia cause more than 80% of these fatalities. Also, ice buildup on the boating equipments creates many more dangers, and the crew spends much time each day chipping ice off the boats. While proper safety measures are taken seriously and followed to the letter, crew members can be injured or even killed by the heavy equipment used onboard the boats to catch Alaskan king crab. Further, most king crab fishermen are out at sea for about 3 to 4 weeks before returning to the shore.
Fishing for king crabs is clearly not as easy as just learning how to cook king crabs, but the following is a summary of a typical procedure. Fishermen use a trap called a pot. These pots are steel frames, with a wire mesh and weigh about 600 to 800 pounds. They are considered to be a better method in catching king crab as they stay in one specific location and don't disturb a large area of the ocean floor - unlike mobile equipment. The bait, usually herring or codfish, is put into the pot, which is then put on a line and lowered into the ocean. After a few days, the pots are hoisted up to the boat to be sorted through. While a majority will be stored alive in tanks, some crabs that do not meet the requirements will be put back into the sea. The requirements, mandated by the State of Alaska, are restrictions of minimum size and sex of the crab and registration of seasons and vessels, among many other legal requirements.
As impossibly harsh the work and weather environment gets in the Bering Sea for fishermen and their crews during fishing season, the Alaskan king crab remains rightfully top crab of world cuisine and undoubtedly makes its way up to the top of any seafood lover's list.
Alaska is home to an abundant variety of seafood, and offers some of the purest marine, freshwater, and upland habitats on the planet.
From the clear crystal waters comes seafood that is delicious and healthy. Alaskan seafood is low in fat but big on flavor and Omega-3 oils. You can study thousands of pages of nutritional research. Or, simply observe the amazing health and longevity of people in countries where seafood is the most important part of their diet. Either way, Alaska seafood is as healthy as it is delicious.
Are you are looking for a meal that is low in saturated fat, filled with nutrients and packed with good heart healthy Omega-3s oils? Then you should start with Alaska Seafood.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allie_Moxley
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