The golden king crab (Lithodes aequispinus) is a deep-water crab species prized for its sweet, delicate meat and distinctive golden-hued shell. Found primarily in the North Pacific Ocean, especially along the continental slopes and seamounts, golden king crabs are harvested at depths between 300 and 1,000 meters. The United States, particularly Alaska, is the leading country in the commercial harvest of golden king crab, with the Aleutian Islands and Bering Sea serving as the primary fishing grounds. Russia also participates in golden king crab fisheries, mainly in the Russian Far East, including the Sea of Okhotsk and the western Bering Sea. The industry is highly regulated in both countries to ensure sustainability, with strict quotas, limited entry, and seasonal closures. These measures have helped maintain stable populations, making golden king crab a valuable and sought-after seafood export, especially to markets in Asia and North America.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Russian Federation | 2,472 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.