The distribution of bitter crab syndrome in southeast Alaskan Tanner crabs Chionoecetes bairdi was determined from population surveys conducted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and commercial catch census data provided by seafood processors and fishermen.Both sources of data indicate the disease syndrome is widespread, affecting 1/3 of the total subdistricts fished during the 1988/1989 season.with the upper Lynn Canal areas having the highcst prevalenct?s (up to 95"/0).A conservative estimate of the total economic loss to fishermen due to rejected diseased crabs was about $220 500, representing 5 ' Yo of the total catch for the season.Disease prevalence in male and female crabs was nearly equal, with a significantly higher prevalence found in crabs of both sexes that have molted within the year (newshell).The latter finding was new information suggesting further considerations regarding the seasonality and transmission of the parasite.Increasing prevalences and spread of the disease syndrome to new areas is suggested by the commercial data but needs further verification from additional population surveys.Diseased crabs are known to have been introduced into some areas through improper disposal by processors and fishermen.Management of bitter crab syndrome may be possible by harvesting crabsearlier in the year when fewer crabs are severely parasitized and meats are more marketable.Promotion of increased public awareness of the disease syndrome and proper disposal of infected crabs are also necessary components in controlling dissemination of this parasite.
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Meyers et al. (1990) studied this question.