Norwegian King Crab Invasion
Norwegian King Crab Invasion Giant Crab 'Red Army' Invades Norway James Owen for National Geographic News, March 9, 2004 The Cold War might be over, but a red army of monster crustaceans—marshalled by Soviet-era leaders—is threatening to invade Western Europe, according to environmentalists. First introduced to the Barents Sea off Northern Russia in the 1960s, red king crabs (Paralithodes camtschaticus) are now spilling down Western Norway by the millions. Some fear these massive crabs, native to the Alaskan Sea and the North Pacific, could reach as far south as Spain and Portugal, devouring almost everything in their path.
Norwegian King Crab Invasion Giant Crab 'Red Army' Invades Norway James Owen, National Geographic News Some fishing communities in Northern Norway say the crab, among the largest in the world, has already had a devastating impact. "The bloody things hoover everything off the bottom of the sea, and all the fish are disappearing," one resident from the town of Kirkenes told the U.K.'s Daily Telegraph. Yet others welcome the red king crab, saying its delicious taste and size—the crabs can grow to 22lbs (10kg) and measure 4.9ft (1.5m) across—make it an extremely lucrative catch. In the United States the crab's meaty legs fetch around $25/£13 per lb.
Norwegian King Crab Invasion Giant Crab 'Red Army' Invades Norway The crab is now reported to have reached the Lofoten Islands, about a third of the way down the Norwegian coast, having travelled some 400 miles (680 kilometers) since the early 90s. In its native North Pacific, where seabed competition is tougher, red king crabs have ventured as far south as northern Japan, the same latitude as southern European countries. Estimates by scientists of the potential southern limit for the species in Europe vary widely. Some say the Lofoten Islands, some the North Sea, and some Portugal.
Norwegian King Crab Invasion Updated report from the war room: We can calm down! There are issues, but it’s not necessary yet to call in NATO! It seems unlikely that King Crabs will invade the UK. Analysis indicates they prefer the temperature and salt content of the Barents Sea rather than the Gulf Stream. However – its growth in Russia, 4-6 generations since introduction, suggest that the situation might change in time. There are obvious opportunities here, if you are willing to take on the market development costs. The European market is already growing relatively fast.
Norwegian King Crab Invasion King Crab Safari in Varanger, crabs up to 14 kg – 1,8 m
The current Norwegian habitat area Norwegian King Crab Invasion
Norwegian King Crab Invasion
Norwegian King Crab Invasion King Crabs’ vertical distribution ranges from shallow water to 400 metres, depending on size, age and time of the year. Mature individuals migrate to shallow waters in April/May to reproduce. Later they return to deeper water in search of food. Adult King Crabs spend the winter at 300-400 meters. A female crab deposits between 25 000 and 400 000 eggs. Larvae are pelagic, but settle in shallow waters (down to 30 meters) 1-2 months after hatching.
Norwegian King Crab Invasion Red King Crabs feed on a wide range of prey, especially worms, clams and echinoderms (e.g. sea urchins and starfish). They consume large quantities of food for their body size, competing with other bottom-feeding species. In the Arctic, King Crabs can grow to around 10kg and reach 1.5m in diameter. They have no natural enemies. They grow slowly, maturing around 10 years, and can live to 30 years. King Crabs’ slow maturation should make it easier to control their population.
Norwegian King Crab Invasion What do the Norwegians do then? The Norwegian King Crab fishery is regulated in 2 separate categories: 1 East of 26 ° E Regulated in partnership with Russia Quota systems optimise the population 2 West of 26 ° E Free catch Keep the number of crabs as low as possible
Norwegian King Crab Invasion Facts: Norway, quota east of 26 ° E: 300.000 crabs (average 4 kg each) Norway, west of 26 ° E: Free catch In year 2005, 32.000 kilo (8000 crabs given same size as east of 26 ° E) Compared with: The Russian quota in 2006: 3.000.000 crabs
Norwegian King Crab Invasion Year: Quota Norway*: Quota Russia: 2001 100.000 100.000 2002 100.000 300.000 2003 200.000 600.000 2004 280.000 500.000 2005 280.000 1.400.000 2006 300.000 3.000.000 *Plus the free catch from west of 26 ° E
Norwegian King Crab Invasion Season from Oct-Dec, plus Jan-Feb from 2007 (probably). In practice, only local boats qualify for a quota east of 26 ° E. The boat has to be 7-15m, using only approved pots. East of 26 ° E, only mature males can be caught; it’s illegal for a private individual to catch even a single crab! Average weight of King Crabs caught east of 26 ° E is 4 kg. Anyone can fish King Crabs west of 26 ° W. BUT NOTE: Anyone in this room can buy a boat with an existing quota east of 26 ° E ! (Although this might change soon)
Norwegian King Crab Invasion If you go for it, be aware of the challenges ... The King Crab attracts heroes and fools as well as money
Norwegian King Crab Invasion
Norwegian King Crab Invasion
Norwegian crab processing King Crab: The king crab is sold as clusters or legs. Processing equipment is mainly Japanese/Alaskan. Snorre Technology have been asked to develop equipment for the Norwegian fishery. Cancer pagurus crab: In Norway, ”everything” has changed in the last 5 years. Raw slaughter and separate cooking procedures have increased meat yields by nearly 20%, and new processing equipment and methods have reduced processing time, energy usage and labour significantly. These systems are supplied by Snorre Technology AS.
Norwegian crab processing Crab slaughter machine – reduce crab-opening labour by 50% and production time by 60%; increase meat yield by 15-20% Cocktail claw crusher – reduce labour by nearly 100%; easier handling afterwards Crab leg meat machine – yields up to 7 kg/hour salad meat; including using the outer parts that some processors throw away! Crab shell washer – 1500 shells/hour; chemical-free; uses less than 1,8 m3 water/hour (cleaning costs £0.01 per shell) The Spinsheller – processes 3000 purses/hour; dry process retains the flavour; 120kg salad meat/hour; waste shell contains hardly any meat. New generation Spinsheller from July 2005.
Norwegian crab processing Crab Shell-Waste and Chitin: Snorre Technology and partner Primex BioChemicals can help remove some of your shell-waste headaches. Already we are involved in other shellfish waste to produce high-quality chitin and -derivatives, with HACCP and traceability programmes in place, for established markets. We seek partners to join this new venture – using crab shell- waste also as the raw material – as an opportunity to reduce the costs and risks of your shell-waste removal. Contact us if you see yourself as a potential partner.
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