Why Billions of Alaska Snow Crabs Disappeared from the Bering Sea
Ask Students: Where was the snow crab season canceled this year after billions of Alaska snow crabs disappeared? How is sea ice involved?
Summary
The Bering Sea snow crab season was canceled after billions of crabs disappeared, devastating Alaska’s fishing industry and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. From Alaska Public Media and KMXT in Kodiak, Kirsten Dobroth reports researchers are working to figure out what happened.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Where was the snow crab season canceled this year after billions of crabs disappeared?
- Who is Erin Fedewa, and what is her background?
- How is sea ice involved in the snow crab life cycle?
- What are scientists testing by manipulating the temperature of the seawater that snow crabs live in?
- Why is an increase in temperature detrimental to snow crab populations?
Focus Questions
What role do you think climate change played in the decline of snow crab populations? Who should be responsible for rebuilding the snow crab population? Explain.
Media Literacy: The story focused on snow crabs in the Bering Sea. How would the story have been different (including impact on audience) if other marine species in other parts of the country were covered?
Investigating Endangered Species
How is climate change affecting species near you? Check out this news lesson on monarch butterflies and learn more about other endangered species and what organizations and people are doing to help them.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS News Hour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of News Hour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
Advertisement
