First observation of seasonal variations in the meat and co-products of the snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) in the Barents Sea

Abstract

The snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio), SC, is a newly established species in the Barents Sea. The snow crab fishery has established itself as a new and profitable industry in Norway in the last decade. The fishery started as a year-round fishery, without any information of possible seasonal variations in the quality of the product. In 2017 a total allowable catch was established by the Norwegian government, and the fisheries were subsequently closed during the summer months. In order to optimize fishing times, and to evaluate this growing industry in the Barents Sea, seasonal variations of the meat content of the clusters, as well as variations in content and quality of co-products were investigated, aiming to identify the seasons where the exploitation of different products from SC can be most profitable. The results show seasonal variations in meat content and in composition of co-products. The highest co-product quantities and meat content are from February to April, followed by a period from June to September with decreasing meat and co-products. Our recommendation is to capture the SC in the winter–spring period in the Barents Sea, supporting the current situation and creating most value for the fisheries.