We developed a framework that examines the consequences of temporal changes in temperature and ocean pH on yield and profit of multiple interacting stocks including eastern Bering Sea (EBS) snow, southern Tanner, and red king crab. Our analyses integrated experimental work on the effects of temperature and ocean pH on growth and survival of larval and juvenile crab and monitoring data from surveys, fishery landings, and at-sea observer programs. A post-recruitment model was used to compute the fishing mortality rates at which catch and profit are maximized for each year from 2020 to 2100 given the environmental conditions (ocean pH, bottom temperature and surface temperature) in the year concerned, and the implications of unintended bycatch in directed fisheries. The impacts of future changes in temperature and ocean pH on early life history have effects that differ markedly among stocks, being most pessimistic for Bristol Bay red king crab and most optimistic for EBS snow crab

This dataset contains model output data to understand the effect of ocean acidification on the snow crab and southern Tanner crab fisheries. A multi-species size-structured population dynamics model that can account for spatial structure and technical interactions between commercial fisheries was developed and applied to the snow and southern Tanner crab fisheries in the eastern Bering Sea. The model used fisheries data collected in the eastern Bering Sea crab fisheries from 1997-01-01 to 2016-12-31. Single- and four-area models led to similar fits to abundance and catch data, and provide similar estimates of time-trajectories of mature male biomass. The model is used to compute Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) and an upper bound on Maximum Economic Yield (uMEY). The model was used as the basis for forecasts to calculate reference points related to yield and profit under the effects of ocean acidification on snow and southern Tanner crab. These data include two data files with forecasts for each of the 1 and 4 area management strategies described above for the years 2017 - 2116.

This is data from a laboratory experiment in which snow crab juveniles were held at three different pHs (ambient, pH 7.8, and pH 7.5). Growth, survival, and morphology were recorded. The complete methods, which should be read and understood prior to using this data, are under review as: Long, W.C. (In Review). Ocean acidification reduces juvenile snow crab, Chionoecetes opilio, survival but does not affect growth or morphometrics.

In this study, we examined how CO2-driven acidification affected larval survival and condition in snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio), an important fishery species in Alaska. Ovigerous females were held in one of three treatments: ambient pH (~8.1), pH 7.8, and pH 7.5, through two annual reproductive cycles. Experiments on the effects of reduced pH on morphology; starvation survival; mass; and Ca, Mg, C, and N contents of the larvae were conducted in a design that fully crossed maternal treatment (pH at which the ovigerous females were held during embryo development) and larval treatment (which were the same 3 pH treatments). The complete methods, which should be read and understood prior to using this data, are under review as: Long, W.C., Swiney, K.M., Foy, R.J., 2023. Direct, carryover, and maternal effects of ocean acidification on snow crab embryos and larvae. PLOS ONE 18(10), e0276360. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0276360

This data is from an experiment designed to test the viability of using hatchery reared crab to supplement wild stocks and to determine the optimal density for future releases. Crab were released by divers into 5 x 5 m quadrats marked with ground line at three densities: 25, 50, and 75 m-2. Researchers monitored the crab density inside the plots, in order to estimate survival, as well as outside the plots, to estimate crab movement. In addition, they determined predator densities and performed tethering experiments on red king crab to see if predator density or predation risk differed among the density treatments.

This dataset contains data from a series of experiments that determined the upper thermal tolerance of early benthic stage red and blue king crabs. Experiments included determining the temperature at which 50% of crabs died after 24 hour exposure, determining the effect of temperature on feeding ration, and the effects of temperature on long-term growth and mortality.

This data set is from a series of laboratory experiments examining the interactions between red and blue king crabs and habitat. We examined how density and predator presence affect habitat choice by red and blue king crabs. Further experiments determined how temperature and habitat affect predation by year-1 red king crab on year-0 blue king crab. Finally, long-term interaction experiments examined how habitat and density affected growth, survival, and intra-guild interactions between red and blue king crab.

This dataset contains model output data that were collected to examine the impact of ocean acidification on fishery yields and profits of red king crab in Bristol Bay. A stage-structured pre-recruit model was developed to capture hypotheses regarding the impact of ocean acidification on the survival of pre-recruit crab. The model was parameterized using life history and survival data for red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) derived from experiments conducted at the National Marine Fisheries Service Kodiak laboratory. A parameterized pre-recruit model was linked to a post-recruit population dynamics model for adult male red king crab in Bristol Bay, Alaska that included commercial fishery harvest. This coupled population dynamics model was integrated with a bioeconomic model of commercial fishing sector profits to forecast how the impacts of ocean acidification on the survival of pre-recruit red king crab will affect yields and profits for the Bristol Bay red king crab fishery fora scenario that includes future ocean pH levels predictions. Expected yields and profits were projected to decline over the next 50-100 years in this scenario given reductions in pre-recruit survival due to decreasing ocean pH levels over time. The target fishing mortality used to provide management advice based on the current harvest policy for Bristol Bay red king crab also declined over time in response to declining survival rates. However, the impacts of ocean acidification due to reduced pre-recruit survival on yield and profits are likely to be limited for the next 10-20 years, and its effects will likely be masked by natural variation in pre-recruit survival. This analysis is an initial step toward a fully integrated under-standing of the impact of ocean acidification on fishery yields and profits, and could be used to focus future research efforts.

Multiple stressor studies are needed to better understand the effects of oceanic changes on marine organisms. To determine the effects of near-future ocean acidification and warming temperature on young of the year red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus) survival, growth, and morphology, we conducted a long-term (184 d) fully crossed experiment with two pHs and three temperatures: ambient pH (~7.99), pH 7.8, ambient temperature, ambient +2 degrees Celsius, and ambient +4 degrees Celsius, for a total of 6 treatments. Mortality rate increased with both reduced pH and by higher temperatures, but interpretation of the multistressor effects is not straightforward as a clear trend was not observed. A synergetic effect was observed; the pH 7.8 and ambient +4 degrees Celsius temperature treatment had the lowest survival, with only 3% surviving to the end of the experiment. However, antagonistic effects were observed in the pH 7.8 ambient +2 degrees Celsius temperature treatment; the mortality rate in this treatment was less than the mortality rate of each of the stressors individually. Despite the effects on mortality, neither decreased pH nor increased temperature had an effect on growth or morphology. The results of this study combined with other studies suggest that ocean acidification and warming may have profound negative effects on red king crab populations in the upcoming decades unless the species is able to quickly adapt or acclimate to changing conditions.

This is data from a laboratory experiment in which red and blue king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus and P. platypus) juveniles were held at three different pH levels (ambient, pH 7.8, and pH 7.5). Growth, survival, feeding and respiration were recorded. The complete methods, which should be read and understood prior to using this data are published as: Long, W.C., Pruisner, P., Swiney, K.M., and Foy, R. 2019. Effects of ocean acidification on respiration, feeding, and growth of juvenile red and blue king crabs (Paralithodes camtschaticus and P. platypus). ICES J. Mar. Sci. 76(5): 1335-1343. https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsz090.