Annette Kenny, Seafood Manager, Bord Bia - The Irish Food Board
Irish Brown Crab (Cancer pagurus) can occupy a range of habitats from sandy gravel seabeds to rocky reefs. These habitats cover a wide range of depths from rock pools along the seashore to depths of 200 metres. Irish Brown Crab is landed in all major and many smaller ports around the Irish coast. They can be recognised by their distinctive “pie-crust” carapace, which is reddish-brown on the upper side and pale, creamy yellow underneath. It’s very large, black-tipped claws, equip the Irish Brown Crab with very effective tools for feeding and fighting – if you look closely you will see one claw has developed as a cutting tool while the other is designed as a crusher. Irish brown crab is a good source of protein and saturated fats and may therefore form an essential part of a healthy diet. The white meat from the claws is a high protein source and low in fat whilst the brown meat from the body is both high in protein and a fatty acid source.
Crab Fishing & Sustainability
Irish Brown Crab is a non-quota species and can be fished legally by any vessel holding a Polyvalent or Potting Licence. They are approximately 5 years old when then they reach minimum landing size. Vessels targeting Brown Crab for the live market tend to only retain larger crab based on market preference. Fishermen grade out as many of the lesser quality brown crab as possible and these live returns contribute to the conservation of the species.
Irish producers are members of Origin Green, an independently verified sustainability programme which operates on a national scale. It enables Ireland's producers to set and achieve measurable sustainability targets, among them reducing environmental impact, serving local communities more effectively and protecting the extraordinarily rich natural resources that our country enjoys.
Irish Exports
Irish Crab is exported in a number of formats. Exports are worth approximately €55m annually, representing volume in excess of 7,000 tonnes. Major markets include France, China, Spain, Portugal and the UK.
Sources:
http://www.bim.ie/media/bim/content/publications/BIM,Brown,Crab,Handling,and,Quality,Guide.pdf
Irish Brown Crab flyer, Bord Bia (2019)