Jake Anderson: “We’ve Caught Millions Of Dollars!” | Deadliest Catch

The Extreme Danger of Commercial Fishing in the Bering Sea

Commercial fishing, particularly for Alaskan king crab, is widely recognized as one of the most dangerous jobs on Earth. According to statistics, 141.5 out of every 100,000 fishermen lose their lives on the job, with even more experiencing serious injuries. Yet these numbers only scratch the surface of the incredible risks faced by those who brave the icy waters of the Bering Sea, a turbulent and often merciless environment. Every week during the height of crabbing season, it’s estimated that at least one fisherman loses his life.

Out on the open sea, these crews battle frigid temperatures, unpredictable winds, enormous waves, and ice buildup on the boat that can destabilize even the largest vessels. Despite these challenges, and the ever-present risk of injury or death, they continue to venture into the Bering Sea each year, driven by the hope of a catch that can yield a substantial payday. For many of these fishermen, catching enough crabs can mean supporting their families for the year, but it’s a gamble with potentially devastating consequences.

The Journey of Captain Jake Anderson and the Saga

In the latest season of Deadliest Catch, viewers witnessed the trials and triumphs of Captain Jake Anderson aboard the FV Saga, a 170-ton crabbing boat. Jake, who has been working toward this position since his debut on Deadliest Catch in 2007, comes from a long line of fishermen from Anacortes, Washington. His journey has been anything but smooth; before he even began his tenure on the show, he had faced personal loss and struggles with addiction.

Jake’s journey into fishing started young. As a teenager, he learned the ropes from his uncle and by the age of 17, he was already salmon fishing off Bristol Bay. After years working as a tender processor and later as a “greenhorn” on the FV Northwestern, he built a reputation for being resilient, determined, and tough enough to endure the grueling demands of the fishing world. Over six years, he climbed the ranks under Captain Sig Hansen, eventually becoming a full-share deckhand and a relief deck boss. During this time, Jake not only honed his skills on the water but also faced his personal demons head-on, ultimately conquering his addiction.

After obtaining his USCG Mate 1600 Ton and Master 100 Ton fishing licenses in 2010, Jake was ready for more responsibility. He took the helm of the Saga, determined to succeed despite the enormous challenges that lay ahead. This past season, after nearly 50 days at sea, Jake and his crew pulled in a total of 62,000 pounds of crabs, earning around $630,000. Although this was less than some rival boats, each crew member still made an impressive $70,000, making the high risks feel worthwhile.

The Ecology and Life Cycle of Alaskan King Crabs

Alaskan king crabs are prized not only for their rich, tender meat but also for their incredible life cycle, which is complex and uniquely adapted to the harsh conditions of the North Pacific. The red king crab, the most coveted of its kind, can grow up to 28 pounds, with a thick, spiny shell that serves as armor in the wild. In addition to the red king crab, Alaska is also home to blue and golden king crabs, although the red variety remains the most sought after.

Female crabs are especially prolific, capable of carrying 50,000 to 500,000 eggs annually. They hold these eggs for up to a year, sheltering them under their abdomens until they hatch. The newly hatched larvae float in the water, passing through several stages before eventually settling on the ocean floor. Over the first few years, young crabs molt their exoskeletons multiple times, a process that leaves them vulnerable to predators. As they grow, they move into deeper waters, often forming large groups, or pods, that offer protection from predators like fish, cephalopods, and even the giant Pacific octopus.

The Commercialization of King Crab Fishing

Commercial fishing for Alaskan king crab took off post-World War II, initially led by Japan and later by the United States in the 1960s, with Dutch Harbor becoming a central hub for the industry. The 1970s and early 1980s marked a golden era for king crab fishing as booming catches made it highly lucrative. Unfortunately, overfishing soon led to a drastic decline in the population, prompting government intervention to save the species from collapse. Strict regulations now govern the industry, limiting the number of crabs that can be caught, setting size restrictions, and establishing closed seasons to protect the crabs during sensitive periods like mating and molting.

Alaska’s Unique Historical and Cultural Significance

Alaska has a history rich in exploration, survival, and resilience. For more than 10,000 years, Alaska has been inhabited by indigenous groups, including the Inuit, Athabascans, Aleuts, Yupik, Tlingit, and Haida peoples. These early communities migrated from Asia across the Bering land bridge, following animal herds into what is now Alaska, and developed unique cultures and survival strategies suited to the Arctic and subarctic climates.

Russian exploration began in the 18th century when the Danish explorer Vitus Bering, under commission from Tsar Peter the Great, first mapped Alaska’s coastlines. This sparked a rush of Russian traders seeking highly valuable sea otter pelts, leading to the establishment of Russia’s first permanent settlement at Three Saints Bay on Kodiak Island in 1784. Over the next century, the Russian-American Company expanded, with Russian influence reaching as far south as California.

However, Russia eventually found itself financially stretched, especially after the Crimean War, and in 1867, it sold Alaska to the United States for $7.2 million—a transaction dubbed “Seward’s Folly” by critics who considered the land a barren wasteland. This purchase ultimately proved invaluable, as Alaska became a site of economic opportunity and military strategic importance.

The Bering Sea Ecosystem: A Biodiversity Hotspot at Risk

The Bering Sea, situated between Alaska and Russia, is one of the most ecologically diverse and productive marine environments on Earth. Encompassing 1.24 million square miles, it supports numerous species of fish, seabirds, and marine mammals, thanks to the nutrient-rich waters that flow from the Pacific Ocean and the seasonal sea ice that provides habitat for countless species. However, climate change has led to significant changes in this ecosystem. Warmer ocean temperatures and reduced sea ice have altered the distribution and population of various species, including commercially valuable fish like pollock and Pacific cod, which have migrated north in search of colder waters.

For indigenous communities who have relied on the Bering Sea’s resources for millennia, these changes are especially concerning. Traditional subsistence hunting and fishing are becoming more challenging as fish stocks dwindle and hunting grounds shift, directly impacting their cultural and economic livelihoods.

The Future of Alaskan King Crab Fishing: Weighing the Risks and Rewards

As lucrative as the industry is, the question remains: is the reward worth the risk? The demand for king crab continues to fuel an industry where fishermen face extreme danger, and where the delicate marine ecosystem may be at risk from overfishing and climate change. Strict regulations help maintain a sustainable industry, but the impacts of climate change, especially warming waters and reduced sea ice, continue to pose challenges for future generations.

The dedication of these fishermen to face extraordinary risks each season raises questions about the value we place on these resources and the lives of those who bring them to our tables. Balancing consumer demand with sustainable practices is essential, as is considering the responsibility we have to both the environment and the people who risk everything to sustain this industry.