Into the Ice

A project reported in partnership with the Seattle Times with support from the Pulitzer Center’s Connected Coastlines reporting initiative. Additional support from KUCB Public Media in Unalaska.

Into the ice: Snow crab decline hits Bering Sea island community of St. Paul

This season’s quotas of snow crab catch were slashed by nearly 90%, a body blow to the small island government on St. Paul, where the crab are processed — and taxed.

By Hal Bernton, Seattle Times | Photos and video by Loren Holmes, Anchorage Daily News●

Into the ice: A quest for snow crab in a Bering Sea upended by climate change

Special report: Ocean warming has put at risk the historic Alaska crab fishery. After a dismal summer survey, state biologists slashed this year’s harvest of snow crab by nearly 90% from 2021 levels.

By Hal Bernton, Seattle Times | Photos by Loren Holmes, Anchorage Daily News●

‘Deadliest Catch,’ a reality show with drama — and room for make-believe

This year, nine Bering Sea crab boats will appear on the Discovery Channel show’s 18th season. That represents nearly a quarter of the 39 vessels registered as of late March to catch snow crab in the 2022 harvest.

By Hal Bernton, Seattle Times | Photos by Loren Holmes, Anchorage Daily News●

A photographer and not-so sure-footed reporter join a crabbing crew on the Bering Sea

It took three attempts to get to Dutch Harbor. Then I slipped while boarding the crab boat and dangled from a crane before a crew member grabbed onto me and helped me aboard.

By Hal Bernton, Seattle Times●