Skip to main content

Snow Crab

Snow Crab

Alaska snow crab’s unique delicate flavor, snowy-white meat and tender texture sets a table of simple elegance.

 

Watch the video

Fact Sheets

Scientific Names: Chionoecetes opilio and Chionoecetes bairdi

2

There are 2 species of crab marketed as snow crab; bairdi and opilio. Bairdi snow crab is also known as tanner crab.

420

Approximately 420 workers make up the snow crab industry in Alaska, a job made famous by the Discovery Channel’s hit reality show “Deadliest Catch.”

4

Snow crab are harvested in 4 different fishing areas in the waters surrounding Alaska.

Nutrition

Protein
20g
Omega 3
405mg
Vitamin B-12
8.8mcg (367% DV)
Vitamin D
40mcg (267% DV)
Wild Alaska snow crab is packed with shell-shocking levels of protein, omega-3s, and vitamins.

The high protein content of wild Alaska snow crab is easily digestible, and has all nine amino acids the body can’t produce itself — a complete protein of the highest quality.

Benefits of vitamin B-12:

  • Helps form red blood cells and prevent anemia
  • Risk reduction of macular degeneration
  • Prevents neuron loss
  • Supports bone loss and prevents osteoporosis
  • Supports healthy skin, hair, and nails
Learn More
DV = Daily Value // 3.0 oz = 85g Source: USDA Standard Reference Release 28

Harvesting & Seasonality

The two species of wild Alaska snow crab are harvested primarily in the winter months throughout the coastal waters of Alaska.

Crab harvesting seasons calendar

Wild snow crab are harvested via pot fishing.

Learn More

Sustainability & Environment

In Alaska, protecting the future of both the stocks and environment takes priority over opportunities for commercial harvest. State and federal agencies collaborate to determine each year’s harvest limits, and monitor the season in real-time to determine when these limits have been met. Additional measures, such as the catch share programs and a stringent on-board observer program ensure sustainably harvested wild Alaska snow crab will be available for generations to come.

The snow crab harvest is limited by the  “three s’s” — size, sex and season. Only males with a carapace length that is dependent on population specific life-history traits can be caught, and harvest is not permitted during mating and molting.

The Alaska snow crab fishery is certified by an independent standard for sustainable fisheries, Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM).

Learn More

Product Forms & Availability

Wild Alaska snow crab is available frozen year-round.

Find wild Alaska snow crab varieties at your local grocer. Unsure about origin? Just #AskforAlaska and look for the Alaska Seafood logo.

Purchase directly from sellers using our supplier’s directory.

Buy Now

Cooking

This sweet and tender shellfish pops with crab flavor and texture and can be easily and quickly heated by boiling, grilling, roasting, baking and steaming.

Learn More

Have questions about Alaska Seafood or looking to get in touch? Drop us a line!

Contact Us