Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) is a seafood that has an important place in the natural cycle of the seas and is quite valuable with its flavor. Here is detailed information about blue crab:
What is Blue Crab?
Blue crab is a hard-shelled marine creature that lives especially on the Black Sea, Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. This species, whose Latin name is Callinectes sapidus, is known for its blue claws and is usually found in temperate and warm waters. Its size can vary between approximately 10-25 cm.
How to Catch Blue Crab?
1. Nets and Traps:
• Specially designed traps or nets are usually used in blue crab fishing. These traps are filled with bait and released into the sea.
• Crabs enter the traps by turning to these baits, but they are prevented from leaving.
2. Hand Catching (Spearfishing or Diving):
• In some regions, it can also be caught by divers by hand or with small spears.
3. Hunting Seasons and Legal Regulations:
• Blue crab hunting in Turkey is limited to certain seasons. Hunting seasons are organized to protect the population.
How to Cook Blue Crab?
1. Boiling:
• One of the most common cooking methods is to boil blue crab. Salt, lemon and bay leaves are added to the water and boiled. The crabs are boiled for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Grilling:
• Olive oil, garlic and spices are applied to the cleaned blue crabs and cooked on the grill.
3. Baked:
• For baking in the oven, the crabs are cleaned, marinated and wrapped in aluminum foil and cooked.
4. Sauced Dishes:
• Blue crabs are usually cooked by removing their meat to be used in dishes such as pasta or rice.
Benefits and Nutritional Values
Blue crab is a very nutritious food with its high protein content and low fat content.
• Nutritional Values (per 100 grams):
• Protein: 19-20 g
• Calories: 100-120 kcal
• Omega-3: Contains high levels
• Vitamins: B12, Vitamin D
• Minerals: Zinc, Selenium, Iron, Magnesium
• Benefits:
1. Supports muscle development.
2. Strengthens the immune system.
3. Beneficial for heart health thanks to Omega-3.
4. Prevents anemia with its rich iron content.
Who Exports From Turkey and Where?
1. Production Regions in Turkey:
• It is caught especially on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts. Dalyan, Köyceğiz, Antalya and its surroundings stand out in blue crab hunting.
2. Export Regions:
• Blue crab from Turkey is generally exported to European countries (France, Italy, Spain), the United States and Far East countries (Japan, China, South Korea).
3. Turkish Companies:
• Companies such as Reform Aquaculture are important players in blue crab exports. These companies send crabs abroad in fresh, frozen or processed forms.
Market Situation in the World
1. Demand:
• The United States in particular is the largest consumer and importer of blue crabs. It is very popular in the Maryland region.
In Asian countries, crab meat is among the gourmet products.
2. Production and Competition:
• Blue crab is produced in countries such as the USA, Mexico and China, apart from Turkey. However, thanks to Turkey's natural resources, it has an important place in the European and Asian markets.
3. Prices:
• The prices of processed products are higher than fresh crabs. Especially crab meat and claw meat are quite valuable.
Blue Crab products
How to Catch Blue Crab?
Blue crab can be caught especially in areas close to the shore. Here are the hunting methods:
1. Catching with traps
• How to use:
• It is one of the most common methods in blue crab hunting.
• Metal or plastic traps with bait (fish heads, chicken meat, etc.) are left in the water.
• Crabs head towards the bait and enter the trap.
• Traps are usually checked between 12-24 hours.
• Advantages:
• It provides catching without harming the crabs.
• More than one crab can be caught at the same time.
2. Catching with Nets
• How to use:
• In areas close to the surface, the crabs are caught by dropping the net into the water and slowly pulling it.
• It is more effective in areas with low waves.
• Advantages:
• It is a faster method.
• It also allows catching moving crabs.
3. Hand Catching (Diving or Shallow Water Catching)
• How to use:
• Blue crabs are usually found in shallow waters. It can be caught by divers by hand or with simple tools.
• It is recommended to use gloves to protect from its sharp claws.
• Advantages:
• Larger sized crabs can be selected with a careful method.
• It is also preferred as a sport fishery.
4. Night Hunting with Light
How to Use:
• In night hunting, it is possible to catch crabs by attracting their attention with light.
• A small net or scoop is used.
• Advantages:
• Since they are more active at night, productivity increases.
What to Consider When Catching?
1. Liveliness Control:
• It is important for blue crabs to be alive. Live crabs are fresh and last longer.
• Dead crabs can spoil quickly and are risky to consume.
2. Be Careful with Claws:
• Blue crabs' claws are strong and can cause damage. Care should be taken to protect the caught crabs from their claws when holding them.
3. Transportation Conditions:
• Caught crabs should be stored in a cool and humid environment. It should be kept in a container that can breathe, but should not be left in the water for a long time.
4. Size and Legal Regulations:
• Legal catch size limits should be observed.
• Releasing juveniles and female crabs (with eggs) is important for sustainable fishing.
5. Rapid Processing or Cooling:
• Caught crabs should be quickly transported to areas where they will be consumed alive or frozen and preserved.
6. Hygiene:
• Areas where crabs are kept should be clean and hygienic. In addition, caution should be taken against toxins that may come from water sources.
Additional Recommendations
• Fishing Season: Blue crabs have fishing seasons determined to protect the population. It is important to comply with these periods.
Equipment Maintenance: Traps and nets should be cleaned and repaired regularly.
• Local Regulations: Check the legal regulations in your area. There may be rules regarding fishing quotas, season restrictions and crab sizes.
These methods and points to consider both increase the success rate in blue crab fishing and provide the necessary conditions for a sustainable catch.