The giant crab (Pseudocarcinus gigas) fishing industry is a comparatively small crab fishery at 107 tonnes, but is of comparatively high value. The value of production in 2001-02 was $3.5m.
The fishery began in 1992. Before then, giant crabs were taken as a by-catch of the rock lobster, shark and trawl fisheries. At December 2001, the total allowable catch (TAC) of 100 tonnes was thought to be sustainable in the short term.
About half of the catch is exported directly overseas live and the other half is sold in the restaurants of Sydney and Melbourne. The main export markets are Hong Kong and China.
GIANT CRAB FISHERY, Tasmania
|
 | Weight | Value of production |
| | |
| Years | tonnes | $m |
|
| 2000-01 | 101 | 2.6 |
| 2001-02 | 107 | 3.5 |
Source: Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment. |
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