The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has announced a 2026-27 total allowable catch (TAC) of approximately 4.74 million pounds for Alaska golden king crab, a 13 percent increase from last season's 4.19 million-pound harvest limit, according to a June 24 release from seafood supplier Keyport LLC.
The increase comes through adjustments across the fishery's two Aleutian Islands management regions. The TAC east of 174° W longitude, which represents the core of the fishery, will decrease slightly from 3.32 million pounds to 3.184 million pounds. West of 174° W longitude, however, the TAC will increase from 870,000 pounds to 1.558 million pounds.
Golden king crab is managed across the eastern and western Aleutian Islands, with harvest limits allocated among Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ), Community Development Quota (CDQ), and the Adak Community Allocation (ACA) program.
Despite the regional adjustments, Keyport said the overall increase is expected to provide additional supply while maintaining market stability.
"Golden King crab continues to be one of the most consistent and well-managed premium seafood products in the market," said Mark Pedersen, CEO of Keyport LLC. "This year's TAC reflects the long-term stability of the resource. A measured increase like this supports steady, predictable supply—something our customers rely on year after year."
The season is scheduled to open later this year. According to the company, Keyport will work with coastal communities, its harvesting fleet and industry partners to bring the new season's catch to distributors, retailers and foodservice operators throughout North America.
Keyport, which has operated in the Alaska crab industry for nearly three decades, said it expects the higher TAC to reinforce a consistent year-round supply of Alaska golden king crab while continuing to rely on what it described as sustainable fisheries management practices.
The company, headquartered in Edmonds, Wash., specializes in king, snow and Dungeness crab products and operates multiple U.S. processing facilities while sourcing seafood from Alaska and other fisheries worldwide.
