Controversy

Crabbing is a very controversial topic. Crabbing is a high risk high pay job that, depending on a persons personality, limits the number of people that even apply of the job.
"There are a few requirements and recommendations for anyone considering a career in commercial crab fishing.The commercial crab fishing industry in Alaska is one of the deadliest jobs a person can do. According to The Alaskan King Crab website, the job has a fatality rate that is 90 times greater than the average U.S. worker. Specific dangers include working out on the open water in adverse weather conditions. Fisherman have to work with nets, cables and various other pieces of equipment that are constantly in motion. One simple, misplaced step can see a fisherman sent overboard in freezing cold water. The fishing boats are often very small due to the flexibility they offer, but a small boat has a far greater chance of capsizing in incidences of bad weather and rough water." This author talks about the dangers of crabbing and how fishermen have to be alert at all times to stay alive and to protect the fellow crew members. The author says " the risk is so high that it comes down to a persons deicer to make money, if I were put in the situation I would turn it down." This author doesn't have the determination that some other people do.
Other people such as Jake Harris enjoy the pay. "My dad pays well (he laughs) I enjoy being on the water and crabbing. It's a thrill that I live for and on. I work hard for my share just like everyone else on this boat."[2] When asked what he thought about the danger he said " ya it's dangerous there are so many moving parts and different peaces of equipment that can chop your hand or arm off. The man thing is to stay alert at all times."[2] "this has to be the hardest job mentally and physically because both are in motion at all times."[2] Jake is one of the few fishermen who enjoy making lots of money and working extremely hard for it.
Crabbing isn't for the faint of heart but for a person who can deal with long hours and hard work. Despite the hard work, the job still gets complete by those who take the risk, and those who don't enjoy the fruits of their labor.




[1] http://www.livestrong.com/article/205209-commercial-crab-fishing-in-s-e-alaska/
[2]http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/deadliestcatch/crews/jake-harris.html