Profile updated on 27 September 2016

SUMMARY

SUMMARY

IDENTIFICATION

SCIENTIFIC NAME(s)

Callinectes sapidus

SPECIES NAME(s)

Blue crab

Blue crab Callinectes sapidus has a broad latitudinal distribution, from Nova Scotia, to northern Argentina, including Bermuda and the Antilles. In the Gulf of Mexico, two stocks are considered to exist; an NE Gulf of Mexico stock along Florida state coast up to the Apalachee Bay, and a “NW Gulf of Mexico stock” occurring from Apalachicola Bay, Florida, to the west of the gulf, based on genetic and phylogenetic analysis (GDAR, 2013). However, the connection between the western stock and the southern distribution in Mexican waters is uncertain (GDAR, 2013). Therefore, Blue crab fisheries in Mexican waters may be part of the western stock.


ANALYSIS

Strengths
  • Stock is not overfished and overfishing is not occurring. A large portion of the overall stock (by landings) is MSC Certified.

SCORES

Management Quality:

Management Strategy:

≥ 6

Managers Compliance:

≥ 6 to ≥ 8

Fishers Compliance:

≥ 6 to ≥ 8