The P-I gives readers a first-hand look at what could be the last derby-style crab fishing season in Alaska. New reforms could do away with the traditional fast-paced, catch-as-much-as-you-can derbies that make crabbing the nation's most dangerous occupation. But what will be gained, and at what cost?

			Karen Ducey Crewmen on the Seattle-based F/V Exito sort out the red king crab catch in Bristol Bay. The 2003 season lasted five days and two hours, and was plagued with gale-force winds. - See more of Karen's photos   Daily Reports from Bristol Bay Our staff boarded the F/V Exito to experience the derby up close. Follow their experiences. Latest Weblog entries: · Pukeless in Seattle · Bracing for a harrowing flight home · The story in pictures · Heading back to Dutch Harbor   Graphics Information at a glance: - Learn more about record seasons, crabber deaths and more - Bristol Bay red king crab harvest - Snow crabbing season follows red kings - Crabbing's role in the local economy

Crabbing industry faces a sea change
Alaska crabbing is one of the world's most dangerous businesses. Proposed reforms could make it safer, but fiercely independent fishermen say it could let corporate interests force them out of business.
- Dutch Harbor is defined by fishing and weather

Before jets, coffee and software, boats brought us windfall
Before software, coffee beans and 747s, Seattle's economy was buoyed by crabs. Even today, crabbing pumps many millions of dollars of revenue into the Puget Sound region every year.

In high gear on treacherous seas
Three days into the Bristol Bay king crab season, things are not looking good on the Seattle-based F/V Exito. The gale-force winds and high waves aren't the only problems. No, it's the catch. Or lack thereof.

Exito's crab catch down, but crew is in one piece
DUTCH HARBOR, Alaska -- If the catch is the criterion, the Bristol Bay red king crab season was successful for the fleet overall. But for Steve Toomey andh is crew, it was a disappointment: their boat finished well below the fleet average.

Alaska's 'SOB' just may get crab bill passed
"I'm a mean, miserable SOB," declares Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens. That's a big reason why why many observers believe the Republican senator's controversial plan to divide up the crab harvest in Alaska has a good chance of passing the Senate this year.

Alaska's wild, woolly bar scene has calmed in recent years
DUTCH HARBOR, Alaska -- As Dutch Harbor, Alaska, has aged and mellowed over the years, so has the Elbow Room, once called the second-most-dangerous bar on the planet.

Crab boat crew is rescued after capsizing in Bering Sea
The F/V Raven, an Oregon-based crab boat, capsized in heavy seas yesterday, forcing a dramatic helicopter rescue of its five-person crew.
(published Thursday, Oct. 16, 2003)

Crab boat deckhand killed
ABOARD THE F/V EXITO, BRISTOL BAY, BERING SEA -- A deckhand died after falling from the Seattle-based F/V Shaman. It was the third major accident of the 2003 Bristol Bay red king crab season and the first fatal one.
(published Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2003)