Henslow’s swimming crab (*Polybius henslowii*) is a fast-swimming, reddish-brown crab species found predominantly in the northeast Atlantic Ocean, particularly along the coasts of Western Europe. This species is known for its agility and tendency to form large pelagic swarms, making it an opportunistic target for fisheries. The primary countries engaged in the commercial harvest of Henslow’s swimming crab are Spain and Portugal, where it is often caught as bycatch in trawl and net fisheries targeting other species, though it is increasingly valued for its use as bait and, in some regions, for human consumption. France and the United Kingdom also report incidental catches, but to a lesser extent. The fishing industry for Henslow's swimming crab remains relatively small compared to other crustaceans, but its abundance and rapid reproduction make it a resilient resource, especially in the Iberian Peninsula where local demand and export markets are growing.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Portugal | 39 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.