- Certifier :
- Global Trust Certification Ltd.
- Certified status :
- Certified
- Certified since :
- 09 Mar 2012
- Certificate expires :
- 28 Mar 2029
Overview
Fisheries are composed of one or more parts, each of which is entitled to receive an MSC certificate. These parts or “units” are defined by their target stock(s), fishing gear type(s) and if relevant vessel type(s), and the fishing fleets or groups of vessels.
When the term “Unit of Certification” is used for fishing units that are in assessment, it refers to the “Unit of Assessment” or “Unit of potential certification”. Expand a status below to view the parts that form this fishery. To check the detailed scope, download the latest certificate or open the Assessments page to get the latest report. Find out more by visiting our page on Fisheries
Catch by Species
| Species | Reported Catch Year | Metric Tonnes |
|---|---|---|
| Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) | 2021 | 22,715.9 |
Information is provided by an independent Conformity Assessment Body as live weight (the weight of species at the time of catch, before processing) and where a fishing season covers multiple years, the end year is given as the reported catch year. Additional information is available in the latest report, see the assessments page.
About this Fishery
Blue crab is found in coastal waters in the western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to northern Argentina. This fishery operates in Louisiana state waters in the Gulf of Mexico, though more than half of the Louisiana blue crab is harvested in two areas — Lake Pontchartrain basin and Terrebonne basin.
Around 3,000 fishers target blue crab in baited traps. The fishery operates the entire year but typically has the highest landings from May through to August.
In 2005 Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita caused devastation to fishing infrastructure, vessels and gear, leading to a substantial reduction in commercial fishing. However, landings remained high, indicating the abundance of blue crabs in the area.
Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) image © Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board
Market Information
Blue crab is sold in the US domestic market.