Top Deep Sea Red Crab Fishing Countries

The deep sea red crab (Chaceon quinquedens), also known as the Atlantic deep sea red crab, is a large, cold-water crustacean found primarily along the continental slopes of the western Atlantic Ocean, from Nova Scotia to the Gulf of Mexico. This species is prized for its sweet, delicate meat and is typically harvested at depths ranging from 200 to 1,800 meters. The United States is the leading country in deep sea red crab fishing, with its fishery centered off the coast of New England and the Mid-Atlantic, particularly Massachusetts and New Jersey. Other countries with smaller but notable harvests include Canada, where red crab is caught off the Atlantic provinces, and some South American nations such as Brazil. The U.S. fishery is managed under strict quotas and regulations to ensure sustainability, making it a model for deep sea crab management worldwide.

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