Top Green Crab Fishing Countries

The European green crab (*Carcinus maenas*) is a small, aggressive crab native to European and North African coasts but has become a notorious invasive species in many parts of the world, including North America and Australia. Known for its voracious appetite and adaptability, the green crab poses significant ecological threats by preying on native shellfish and outcompeting local species. Commercial harvesting of green crabs is relatively limited compared to other crab species, but it has gained attention in recent years as a means of population control and as a niche seafood product. The top countries involved in green crab fishing are primarily those where the species has become invasive, such as the United States (especially in New England), Canada (notably in the Atlantic provinces), and parts of southern Europe, including Portugal, Spain, and Italy, where it is sometimes harvested for bait or local consumption. Efforts in the U.S. and Canada often focus on removing green crabs to protect native ecosystems, with some developing markets for their use in culinary dishes or as bait, turning an ecological challenge into an emerging industry.

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