Current Status of the Red King Crab (Paralithodes camtchaticus) and Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) Industries in Norway

Abstract

Red king crab and snow crab have both become important species for the Norwegian seafood industry. Since the first commercial harvest of red king crab in 2002 and of snow crab in 2012, the Norwegian seafood industry has developed new technology and knowledge for handling these species. This includes new fishing gear, conditions for live storage and processing, handling of by-products, and entrance into new markets. The total Norwegian quota for red king crab increased from 220 metric tons in 2002 to 2350 metric tons in 2017, with a free-red king crab harvesting zone to the west of the quota-regulated area to prevent further expansion of the crab. At present, there is no established quota for snow crab. In 2016, a volume of about 5300 metric tons of snow crab was landed in Norway. In 2016, the export of red king crab and snow crab in Norway amounted to 529 million and 338 million Norwegian Kroner, respectively. Based on regular surveys of crab populations in the Barents Sea, it is assumed that the volumes red king crab and snow crab will remain steady and increase, respectively. Thus, these industries will continue to be important to the Norwegian seafood industry.