Top Atlantic Rock Crab Fishing Countries

The Atlantic rock crab (Cancer irroratus), also known as the peekytoe crab, is a robust crustacean native to the northwest Atlantic Ocean, ranging from Labrador, Canada, to South Carolina, USA. Recognized for its mottled reddish-brown shell and sweet, delicate meat, the rock crab is a valuable species in the seafood industry, particularly in North America. The primary countries harvesting Atlantic rock crab are the United States and Canada, with the largest catches coming from the coastal waters of the northeastern United States (notably Maine and Massachusetts) and the Canadian Atlantic provinces (such as Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador). The rock crab fishery is often managed alongside the American lobster industry, as crabs are frequently caught as bycatch in lobster traps, but targeted fisheries have grown due to increasing market demand. Both countries have established regulations to ensure sustainable harvesting, making the Atlantic rock crab an important resource for local economies and seafood markets.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.