The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has for the first time in history extended the snow crab season.
On Tuesday ADF&G said it would keep some grounds open an additional two weeks past its scheduled May 15 close, according to radio station KUCB.
Sea ice has put a damper on harvesting this season, and some 20 million pounds of snow crab of the allocated catch are still in the water, KUCB reported.
ADF&G has not announced whether or not it will extend the season if weather conditions continue to prohibit fishermen from harvesting the crab.
