The first of the king crab fisheries opens today.

The total allowable catch for golden king crab in the eastern district is set at 3.15 million pounds, with 10 percent of that apportioned to the community development quota groups. In the western district, the TAC is 2.8 million pounds, with 10 percent of that going to the Adak Community Allocation.

The TAC for these two fisheries is set by regulation, and it hovers around 6 million total every year. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has been working on a population model that could be used to set future quotas, but until that happens, the TAC for golden king crab will remain at this level unless conservation concerns arise.

Half a dozen boats fish for golden king crabs.

The season for golden king crab will close on May 15. Meanwhile, the region’s red and blue king crab fisheries will open on October 15.