[x]

If you have a few seconds just before you download the Guide, we'd really like to know a little more about you so that we can keep you up to date with our campaigns and other activities.

No thanks...
Read our data protection policy
Registered Charity England and Wales No. 1004005 | Scotland No. SC037480
[x]

view larger image

Common name - Crab, brown or edible
Scientific name - Cancer pagurus
Average rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Visit Fishonline for the full range of options available for this species.
Consumer Information
The brown crab is the heaviest British crab and looks a little like a pie on legs with its distinctive reddish-brown shell and pie crust rim. The tips of the claws are black, and is also known as edible crab. Brown crabs mature after about 10 years and on average live for about 30 years, but some have been known to live until 100! About a third of the weight of the crab is meat, two thirds of this is white and third is brown. It is used to make ??dressed crab', where the shell is cleaned out and used as a dish. Crab is also used to make fish cakes, crab sticks and paste. Avoid eating crabs below the minimum landing size (13-14cm in most areas of the UK) and crab claws, unless it is certain they have been removed after landing. Females carrying eggs (termed ??berried') should be avoided at all times to allow them to reproduce. The most environmentally friendly method of fishing for crabs is with pots as it is a very selective method of fishing and small crabs can be returned to the sea alive.
Summary
The vast majority of brown crabs in the UK are caught by potting. This is a low impact and relatively selective method of fishing, any bycatch or discards can be returned alive with high survival rates. Brown crab from the Inshore Potting Agreement Area in Devon and the SSMO Shetland inshore brown crab fishery, certified as a responsible fishery by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), are the best choices for crab in the UK. Avoid eating crabs below the minimum landing size (13-14cm in most areas of the UK) and crab claws, unless it is certain they have been removed after landing. Egg-bearing or "berried" females should be avoided at all times to allow them to spawn.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Visit Fishonline, the website for the seafood industry, for more detailed information about this species.