Kotzebue Sound crab opener set for June 15 with no buyers registered

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game will open the 2026 summer commercial red king crab fishery in Kotzebue Sound at noon Monday, June 15, with a 10,000-pound harvest limit, but no buyers have registered for the season. Participants must obtain their own market permit or catcher-seller permit to participate.

The fishery is restricted to state waters only under 5 AAC 34.910 (f)(1)(A)(i). Federal waters beyond three miles from shore remain closed to commercial fishing.

Permit holders must register with the Kotzebue or Nome Fish and Game offices to obtain crab pot tags. All participants must have stopped other commercial or subsistence pot fishing by June 1 to be eligible.

Vessels over 125 feet are limited to 50 pots. Vessels 125 feet or less are limited to 40 pots.

The department said the 10,000-pound guideline harvest level is not expected to negatively impact subsistence activities in the region.

The opening notice was published June 11, 2026, and affects fishers operating in Kotzebue Sound and nearby West Arctic waters.