BLUE CRABS (Soft Shell Crabs)
The oldest crab industry in the United States is the blue crab industry of the Chesapeake Bay area, dating back almost to the early 1600s.
A major American seafood resource, blue crabs are most notably associated with the Chesapeake Bay. The scientific name of this crustacean is Callinectes sapidus, which translates from Latin and Greek to mean beautiful, savory swimmer. Recreational and commercial fishing for blue crab occurs not just in the Chesapeake Bay but also along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Blue crabs play a critical ecological role in estuaries. They feed on small fish, bivalves, other crustaceans, worms, and organic debris and are preyed upon by fresh and saltwater fish, herons, diving ducks and raccoons. Blue crabs are even a favorite food of the endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle that migrate to the Chesapeake Bay every summer.
The total amount of blue crab landed in 2000 was approximately 184 million pounds, approximately 78% coming from just four states, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia.
Blue crab populations from areas outside the Chesapeake Bay are considered to be stable while those within the Bay are showing significant decline. In 2000, 47 million pounds were landed from the Bay, which is well below the 75 million pounds taken on average over the past 30 years.
To meet blue crab demand, a related species named blue swimming crab is being imported from Asia. More than 70% of the crabmeat products sold in the U.S. contain imported crabmeat.
(Seafood Choices Alliance - www.seafoodchoices.com/)
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