First observations of temperature tolerances of adult male snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) from the Barents Sea population and the effects on the fisheries strategy

This study investigates the effects of temperature on the survival, food intake, oxygen consumption and growth during long-term live holding of captive male snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) (average = 0.7 kg). The crabs were held at three different temperatures, 3, 6 and 9 degrees C. The trials were done using groups of snow crabs held in nine land-based holding tanks (three replicates per temperature treatment). The results showed that temperature had a significant effect on survival. The survival rate at 3 degrees C (61%) was significantly higher than at 6 degrees C (33%) and at 9 degrees C (28%). Specific oxygen consumption rates of unfed crab at 6 degrees C were significantly higher than at 9 degrees C and 3 degrees C. In summary, the current study shows that the Barents Sea snow crab have a narrow temperature range in which they thrive compared with the Barents Sea red king crab (Paralithodes camtschaticus). Barents Sea snow crab has similar metabolic and physiological attributes to other major snow crab populations. In conditions when ambient temperatures are approximately 6 degrees C, it may prove beneficial for animal welfare and also be financially advantageous to reduce ambient water temperatures in live snow crab holding facilities on boat or on land.