Outreach & Extension: Crab Shedding

A key factor in the enhancement of the soft crab industry has been the use of closed or recirculating shedding systems. Developed in Maryland in the late 1970s, the systems have become very popular today, with an estimated 500 to 700 operating on a seasonal basis in the state. The Maryland Sea Grant Extension Program has provided advice to the soft crab industry for many years. The growth of the national and international soft crab market has increased revenue to the harvesters and has forced the industry to optimize their systems to keep crab mortalities to a minimum. Working with specialists in fish culture at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Maryland Sea Grant Extension has provided technical assistance that has been useful in enhancing crab production.