Crab: Blue

Hardshell crab, Softshell crab, Blue-claw crab, Blue swimming crab.

Kani

The blue crab is native to Western Atlantic nearshore habitat from Nova Scotia to Argentina, including waters around Bermuda, the Antilles, and in the Gulf of Mexico. Blue crab has historically supported one of the United States’ largest and most valuable fisheries. Reaching maturity in one to two years, utilizing a wide variety of habitats and food sources, and reproducing prolifically, blue crabs can support substantial fisheries. However, habitat loss, pollution, and heavy fishing have impacted the stocks. There are three centers of blue crab fishing in the United States: Chesapeake Bay; the Southeast Atlantic coast; and the Gulf of Mexico. This species is most abundant in brackish estuaries and bays from Massachusetts to Texas. The blue crab has also been ‘successfully’ introduced into coastal habitats in Asia and Europe.

Age at first breeding is relatively low, individuals are short lived (4 to 6 years) and reproductive potential is high with spawning occurring several times per season and broods consisting of up to 3.2 million eggs. Inherent vulnerability to fishing pressure is considered low.

Depending on the population, stocks may be fully fished, suspected to be overfished or unknown. As a result, long and short-term trends range from variable, down to unknown with overall uncertainty in stock status reflecting these trends. Population structures appear functionally normal. Blue crab stocks merit a moderate conservation concern.

Blue crabs are caught primarily with traps. The main bycatch is juvenile blue crabs, which can be released alive. However, in certain areas, there are interactions with the protected diamondback terrapin and these interactions are negatively affecting populations. Bycatch in this fishery warrants a moderate conservation concern.

The trap fisheries occur in nearshore / esturarine waters, but also offshore. Damage incurred from fishing gear (e.g. from bottom gillnet or pots and traps) is considered a ‘moderate concern’ with the extent of the area affected by cumulative fishing gear effects rated ‘medium’ compared to other fisheries and the resilience of mud and sand habitats affected considered moderate. There is no evidence to date that the removal of targeted species has or will likely substantially disrupt the food web or that the fishing method has caused or is likely to cause ecosystem state changes, including alternate stable states or regime shifts. Overall this factor is a moderate conservation concern.

Depending on the region, stock assessments are either complete, planned or are underway. Management has on occasion, ignored advice from scientific advisors. Bycatch plans are in place with efforts aimed reducing incidental catch with bait and trap-placement regulations. Regulations are regularly enforced by independent bodies, including logbook reports, sufficient observer coverage and dockside monitoring. Management measures however, have not prevented declines in biomass, and long-term maintenance of the stocks is not ensured. Management is a moderate conservation concern.

What kind of crab is this?

Where is it from?

Currently, blue crab from the US is the only source that has been assessed.

Elevated mercury and PCB levels + Adults should eat no more than 2 meals per month + Kids up to age 12 should eat no more than 1 meal per month

No.