Top Southern King Crab Fishing Countries

The Southern King Crab (Lithodes santolla), also known as the Chilean King Crab or "centolla," is a large, spiny crustacean native to the cold, southern waters off the coasts of South America, particularly around southern Chile and Argentina. This prized species is renowned for its sweet, delicate meat and is a valuable export commodity. The primary countries engaged in the commercial harvest of Southern King Crab are Chile and Argentina, with Chile being the world leader due to its extensive southern coastline and well-established fisheries infrastructure. The industry is vital to local economies, especially in the southern regions of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego, where both artisanal and industrial fleets operate under regulated quotas to ensure sustainability. The crabs are typically caught using baited traps, and strict management measures are in place to protect the species from overfishing and to preserve the health of the marine ecosystem.

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