Skip to main content

Study signals bad news for seafood lovers hoping for fewer canceled crab seasons

Crab season's outlook continues to appear less than ideal. Here's the latest scientific reveal

Crab on display at the store.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Climate change is kind to nobody, or thing, but it has been extra hard on certain sea creatures as of late. With canceled crab seasons and struggling populations in various spots all over the globe, shellfish are now being dealt an unfavorable hand of cards by way of a dramatically warming planet. Turns out that heatwaves hit the oceans, too, and that doesn’t bode well for some of our favorite seafood friends.

Recent research suggests these marine heatwaves, or extended stretches wherein the ocean water temperature is well above the average, will negatively impact life even at the base of the food chain. Researchers looked specifically at the Atlantic mangrove fiddler crab, a species enjoyed by all kinds of animals, from waterfowl and fish to humans. Data was collected in three coastal locations — Brazil, Norway, and the U.S. — and the findings are not promising, especially for those who like cooking with shellfish.

Recommended Videos

As is so often the case with climate change, even the seemingly small turns of the dial have significant, sometimes dire consequences. A rise in just a couple of degrees in water temperature greatly reduces the survival rate, to the tune of about 15% per two degrees Celsius (and 34% per a rise of four degrees Celsius), according to the research. With ocean water temperatures estimated to both rise and warm in the coming years, it’s not the best news for crabs.

As a vital marine species that many other critters depend on, it’s not great news for the entire ecosystem. It means less good for a number of animals. And that trickle-down effect eventually impacts fisheries, supply on land, restaurants, and more. In short, it’s bad for the planet and seafood alike.

What does the future hold? Certainly, we’ll see more canceled crab seasons and shortages of other species we enjoy consuming. Yet, if we live up to some of our greener claims and genuinely embrace greener energy avenues and get our emissions in check, not all will be lost. Climate change is real and terrifying (just look at this climate change report for 2050), but it’s not too late to minimize at least some of the worst of it. And if that can lead to not only reasonable ocean temperatures that sea creatures enjoy and some great meals for us (seafood and wine), we are very much on board.

The mortality figures for the fiddler crab are extra alarming given the fact that so many of the eggs fail to mature. According to the same research, some 99 of every 100 are eaten by other animals before reaching maturity. The effects of the rising water temperatures are a gut punch to a species already struggling mightily to make do in its domain.

What’s a seafood fan to do? Shop smarter. Only buy sustainably harvested foods and support organizations providing the research and doing the work to reverse the current course of climate change. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a great resource known as Seafood Watch that can help you make informed decisions (not to mention incredible jellyfish webcams).

Here’s to a better future, for crabs and humans alike.

Mark Stock
Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon. He fell into wine during the Recession and has been fixated on the stuff since…
A new study says the Mediterranean diet is good for more than just weight loss
This surprising benefit is more good news for followers of the Mediterranean diet
Mediterranean meal of greek salad, seven grain salad, salmon fillet and a small bowl of blueberries, surrounded by Mediterranean diet foods.

Take a moment to imagine yourself enjoying a delicious, wholesome meal as you are on vacation, soaking up the warm sunshine of the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health benefits, has been capturing the attention of both researchers and food enthusiasts alike. 

But did you know that recent findings suggest the Mediterranean diet is good for more than just weight loss? In this article, we'll explore what the Mediterranean diet is, why it is considered one of the healthiest diets, and how a groundbreaking study reveals its impact on cognitive health.

Read more
Is peppermint good for you? An expert weighs in on this holiday season favorite
Do you have a good reason to eat all of that peppermint bark?
peppermint tea with chocolate

Peppermint bark, peppermint sticks in piping hot cocoa, and peppermint mocha lattes are among the goodies on seasonal menus.

“You can find peppermint in so many different foods, from tea to baked goods,” Sauceda said. “Especially now in the holiday season, you will often find peppermint in goodies and candy canes. Peppermint pairs well with chocolate, which is why you can find a lot of peppermint bark or cookie recipes.”

Read more
Bad news for beer lovers: A new study says climate change is ruining your favorite drink
Enjoy those IPAs while you can
Beer Pint

Enjoy that IPA or pilsner while you still can because, thanks to climate change, it might taste a little different (or not be available at all) in the future. That’s because, according to a new study, there’s a steady decline in the quantity of European hops being grown. For those unaware, hops are what give your favorite beer its floral, bitter flavor profile. Without them, beer would be a barley-centric, mostly flavorless mess.

That’s right; climate change is affecting more than just the polar ice caps, droughts, storms, and rising sea levels. It’s going to affect how your beer tastes, and it might soon affect how much it costs.

Read more