On the distribution of the red king crab in the White Sea Throat

Abstract

New data on the distribution of the red king crab in the White Sea Throat are given based on of trap surveys of 2015–2016. The red king crab was found at depths of 44–54 m at salinity at the bottom of 29.2‰ and at a bottom temperature of 6.7°C. Crab catches in the White Sea Throat amounted to 8.7 ind./trap. The catches contained females without eggs and males, including those of commercial sizes. The ways of penetration of the red king crab into the White Sea Throat are discussed. It is suggested that crabs perform annual migrations from the funnel-shaped entrance to the Throat Strait. It is also assumed that the population that inhabits the northern part of the White Sea Throat is sustainable.