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Deep-Sea Red Crab Management Plan

New England

About

The Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery in the United States operates along the edge of the continental shelf off southern New England and the Mid-Atlantic Bight. Deep-sea red crab inhabit mud, sand, and hard bottom at depths from 200 to 1800+ meters, at water temperatures between 5-8° C. The small, directed red crab fishery uses traps and targets male red crabs at a depth of approximately 400-600 meters. 

The market for deep-sea red crab is for human consumption and is sold either as fresh picked meat or as frozen legs. The red crab fishery was certified by the Marine Stewardship Council as sustainable in the fall of 2009.

Implementing regulations are found at 50 CFR part 648 subpart M. Find out more about Managing Sustainable Fisheries in the Greater Atlantic Region.

Species Managed

More Information

Actions

Under Development

Under Development Implemented Actions

Proposed Rule; Omnibus Management Flexibility Amendment to New England Fishery Management Council Fishery Management Plans

Proposed Rule; Omnibus Management Flexibility Amendment to New England Fishery Management Council Fishery Management Plans
Proposed Rule,
New England
Mid-Atlantic
Comments Close
08/07/2026

Final Rule for 2022 Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Quota

2022 atlantic deep-sea red crab quota
Final Rule,
New England
Mid-Atlantic
Effective
03/01/2022

Final Rule to Implement 2021 Red Crab Quotas

2021 Red crab quotas
Final Rule,
New England
Effective
04/26/2021

Final Rule for Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab 2020 Specifications

Red Crab Specifications
Final Rule,
New England
Published
04/14/2020

2019 Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Specifications

We are finalizing specifications for the 2019 Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery, including an annual catch limit and total allowable landings limit. This action is necessary to fully implement previously projected allowable red crab harvest levels that w
Final Rule,
New England
Effective
03/01/2019

Final Action to Close Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to Gillnet Gear

NOAA Fisheries closes Nantucket Lightship and Closed Area I Closure Areas to gillnet gear.
Final Rule,
New England
Mid-Atlantic
Effective
12/17/2018

Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2

This action implements approved regulations for the New England Fishery Management Council's Omnibus Essential Fish Habitat Amendment 2. This rule revises essential fish habitat and habitat area of particular concern designations, revises or creates habit
Final Rule,
New England
Mid-Atlantic
Effective
04/09/2018

Fisheries of the Northeastern United States; Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Fishery; 2018 Atlantic Deep-Sea Red Crab Specifications

We are implementing specifications for the 2018 Atlantic deep-sea red crab fishery, including an annual catch limit and total allowable landings limit. This action is necessary to implement allowable red crab harvest levels that will prevent overfishing a
Final Rule
Published
02/02/2018

Last updated by Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office on 01/03/2023