Once a mainstay of coastal fisheries from Norway to France, the brown crab (Cancer pagurus) fisheries are showing a declining trend. A new ICES Cooperative Research Report (CRR 360) offers the most comprehensive overview to date of the species' status across the Northeast Atlantic. Prepared by ICES Working Group on the Biology and Life History of Crabs (WGCRAB), the report also raises concerns about declining catch rates, limited data, and the need for improved management.
Data has been compiled from 11 countries to paint a nuanced picture: while landings have decreased since 2016 in traditional fishing nations such as the UK, Ireland, and France, new fisheries are emerging further north and east, with some stability in Scandinavia and the southern North Sea.
We talked to Carlos Mesquita, co-author of this CRR and a member of WGCRAB, about the crab fishery.
Why are brown crab populations declining in some regions but stable or increasing in others?
As most fisheries have no catch limits and rely only on minimum size rules, the report underscores how high market demand and limited regulation have left brown crab populations vulnerable to overexploitation. At the same time, basic biological information remains patchy, hindering full analytical assessments.
What data or monitoring improvements are most urgently needed?
WGCRAB calls for a more coordinated, ecosystem-based approach to management, one that balances sustainable yields with economic viability and accounts for the species' broad connectivity across national boundaries. With brown crab landings valued at over €100 million annually, ensuring the resilience of these stocks is not just an ecological priority but an economic imperative for coastal communities.
What role can international coordination play in supporting a more resilient brown crab fishery?
By compiling this overview, ICES WGCRAB provides a crucial foundation for cooperation among countries, scientists, and managers. The report underscores that a shared understanding of stock status and fleet dynamics is essential to maintain the productivity, resilience, and long-term sustainability of brown crab fisheries across the region.
Read the full report: ICES Cooperative Research Report No. 360 – An overview of the brown crab (Cancer pagurus) fisheries and stock trends in the Northeast Atlantic.
WGCRAB will hold its annual meeting 4-6 November 2025 in Uppsala, Sweden. Contact the group if you are interested in joining their work.
