Giant Crab Fishery

The South Australian Giant Crab Fishery is one of several based on the capture of the giant crab, Pseudocarcinus gigas. The species supports important commercial fisheries in South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. The most productive fishing grounds are in waters adjacent to Tasmania, which have historically supported the largest fishery for the species. The total commercial catch of giant crabs from South Australian waters is on average 20 t/year. The total South Australian recreational catch is considered to be negligible, given the proximity of the fishing grounds.

The Giant Crab Fishery is closely linked to the Rock Lobster Fishery and therefore separated into two management zones, the same as those for the southern and northern zone rock lobster fishery. The northern zone is considered to be still relatively unexplored, whereas the southern zone has been fished extensively over the years. Giant crabs are commonly landed at many locations throughout the state, with vessels fishing for up to 10 days per trip, generally fishing for longer periods on the West Coast.

In 2004–05, the total catch was 19.35 t (both zones combined) with a gross landed value of production of A$218 000. The majority of the annual catch is exported to Asian countries.