Today on Marine Science Minute with Florida Sea Grant: Stone Crabs
Florida provides 99% of the stone crab harvest in the United States. Unlike other crabs, we harvest only the claws, and the crab is returned to the water.
Stone crabs can regenerate a harvested claw—but only if the claw is broken properly and even then, regeneration may take several years. Stone crabs are a special Florida treat and you can contribute to a sustainable fishery by only buying stone crabs from reputable vendors.
If you catch your own, Florida Sea Grant and partners offer online resources on sustainable fishing practices like declawing techniques, registering your traps with authorities, harvesting claws only from male crabs or non-egg-bearing females, and never abandoning the traps in the environment.
For information about this and other coastal topics, contact your county extension office or visit Florida Sea Grant at flseagrant.org.