The Pacific golden crab (Chaceon fenneri), a deep-sea species known for its sweet, delicate meat and golden-hued shell, is primarily harvested along the Pacific coast of the Americas. This crab inhabits depths of 200 to 1,200 meters, favoring muddy or sandy substrates. The commercial fishery for Pacific golden crab is relatively small compared to other crab species, but it is valued for its high market price and quality. The United States, particularly the state of Hawaii, is the leading country in harvesting Pacific golden crab, where a regulated fishery operates using baited traps. Other countries with smaller fisheries include Japan and some Latin American nations such as Mexico and Costa Rica, where deep-sea crab fishing is developing. Management measures, such as catch limits and gear restrictions, are in place in leading countries to ensure the sustainability of this valuable deep-water resource.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 2 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.