"These crabs can regrow their claws, so when they're pulled up, if the claws are of legal size, they are popped off and the crab is returned to its native waters. At first glance, this sounds like it would be an incredibly sustainable source of seafood, and you'll find many voices saying that. However, the situation is much more complicated than it sounds,"
"In Florida, where 99% of the stone crab harvest takes place, any claw of legal size - 2¾ inches or larger - can be taken, even if that means stripping the crab of both pincers. While the regulations note that stone crabs left with one claw have a higher rate of survival, no regulation prevents stripping them of all their defenses. One would like to imagine that the fishers making their living from these crustaceans would respect that this depends on the populatio"
Seafood choices are complex because of many species, habitats, nutritional differences, and sustainability concerns. Stone crabs are harvested only for their claws, because the animals can regrow lost limbs. At first glance that selective harvesting appears sustainable, but significant problems exist. In Florida, which produces 99% of the harvest, any legally sized claw may be removed, even if both pincers are taken. Regulations acknowledge higher survival for crabs left with one claw but do not prohibit stripping both claws. Overfishing, mortality, and bycatch create substantial sustainability and welfare concerns about stone crab harvesting.
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