Fresh stone crabs will be available just a little while longer as the harvesting season is about to end.
According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), stone crab season closes on May 2 with the last day of harvest being May 1 for the state’s recreational and commercial stone crab seasons in state and federal waters.
The annual season closure is intended to increase the stone crab population and build resiliency in the fishery, according to the FWC.
The only part of the crab that is harvested is the claw.
“Stone crabs are known for their powerful claws, which account for more than half of the crab’s total weight. These crabs use their two claws – a crushing claw and a tearing claw – to eat and defend themselves,” according to the University of Florida IFAS Extension Service. “Unlike other fisheries, the claws are also the only parts of the crab harvested – live stone crabs must be returned to the water where they can regenerate new claws.”
Commercially harvested stone crab claws may be possessed and sold during the closed season but only if they have been placed in inventory prior to May 2 by a licensed wholesale or retail dealer.
Stone crab traps must be removed from the water within five days after the close of the stone crab season. Stone crab claws may not be harvested from traps pulled after the season closes.
The harvesting season will begin again on Oct. 15.
For more information on harvesting stone crab traps for recreation, commercial stone crab regulations, trap specifications and licensing information, go online to MYFWC.com/Marine.
