Deadliest Catch facts for kids

The Deadliest Catch is a popular reality television show on the Discovery Channel. It's all about Alaskan king crab fishing. The series shows brave people fishing for crabs in the very cold and stormy Bering Sea near Alaska.

The show is called "Deadliest Catch" for a good reason. The people who work on these fishing boats face many dangers. They are at high risk of injury or even death. This is because of the rough seas and extreme weather during the fishing seasons. Many people consider this job one of the most dangerous in the world.

What is Deadliest Catch About?

This TV show follows the lives of crab fishermen. They work on boats in the Bering Sea. Each episode shows the challenges they face. This includes battling huge waves and freezing temperatures. They also deal with broken equipment and long hours.

The series highlights the hard work involved. It also shows the strong bonds between the crew members. They rely on each other to stay safe. The show has been on TV for many years. It has won many awards.

The Dangerous Bering Sea

The Bering Sea is a very large body of water. It is located between Alaska and Russia. This sea is known for its harsh conditions. It has some of the roughest waters on Earth.

During the crab fishing season, the weather is extreme. Storms can bring huge waves. The temperatures drop below freezing. Ice can form on the boats. This makes the decks slippery and dangerous.

King Crab Fishing

The main goal of the show is to catch Alaskan king crab. These crabs are very valuable. They live on the bottom of the sea. Fishermen use large, heavy traps called "pots" to catch them.

Each pot weighs hundreds of pounds. They are dropped into the ocean. After some time, they are pulled back up. The crew then sorts the crabs. They keep the male king crabs that are big enough. Female crabs and small crabs are returned to the sea. This helps to keep the crab population healthy.

The Fishing Boats

The boats used for crab fishing are strong and sturdy. They are built to handle the rough seas. However, they are also packed with heavy equipment. This includes cranes for lifting pots. There are also tanks to keep the crabs alive.

Life on these boats is tough. The crew works long shifts. They often get very little sleep. The living spaces are small. Everyone works together as a team. They must be alert at all times.

Why is Crab Fishing Dangerous?

Crab fishing is considered one of the most dangerous jobs. There are several reasons for this. The main one is the extreme weather. High winds and giant waves can toss boats around. This makes it hard to stand up.

Another danger is the heavy equipment. The crab pots are very heavy. They swing around when being moved. Crew members can be hit by them. Slippery decks from ice and water also cause falls. The cold water is also a risk. Falling overboard in freezing water can be deadly.

The Crew and Their Challenges

The show focuses on different fishing boats and their crews. Each boat has a captain and a team of deckhands. The captain makes all the big decisions. They decide where to fish and when to head back to port.

The deckhands do most of the hard physical work. They handle the pots. They sort the crabs. They also maintain the boat. They work together in very close quarters. They face many challenges. This includes exhaustion and homesickness. They also deal with the constant risk of injury.