Sustainability
Sustainable fishery programs
Stone crab fishing is one of the most sustainable fishing industries today. In fact, the stone crab doesn’t even die in the process. The stone crab has evolved with regenerative powers. It loses a claw, and the claw grows back! Through a series of molting cycles, the crab will grow back its claws allowing it to continue surviving.
We are committed to providing the freshest, safest, and most responsibly sourced seafood. We actively work with our boats and fisherman’s to support continuous testing and traceability systems for our seafood products.
100% sustainable seafood
Stone crabs are not killed when harvested
We take pride in our sustainable stone crab fishing process.
We fished lawfully and safely, and can guarantee a delicious product every time!
Our Stone Crab Fishing Process
Stone crab fishermen take advantage of this unique property to farm the crab without killing it. They will catch crabs, remove their claws, and set them free. Only one claw can be legally removed from each crab, leaving the other intact.
If a crab is caught that already has a missing claw, it’s thrown back into the water. As long as it has one claw, the crab can survive. It can still defend itself and will settle for eating fish flesh and other soft marine life, so they don’t risk starvation.
This process might sound cruel, but crabs don’t actually feel pain the same way that we do. Their nervous systems aren’t quite as developed, so they don’t register anything beyond the faint sensation of a shock.
Claws must be at least 2 3/4 inches long to be taken, and no other part of the body may be harvested. If the claws are too small, the fishermen must throw the crab back.
It is illegal to declaw egg-bearing females. They must be tossed back with both claws intact so they can defend their eggs to allow the crab population to flourish.
Sustainability at Scale
The process of harvesting one claw at a time might seem laborious and time-consuming, all for very little reward.
However, even though each crab only yields one claw, fisheries still bring in several thousands of pounds of claws every day! Abbia alone brings in between 3,000 to 5,000 pounds every day. This is a tremendous amount of sustainable, non-lethal meat.
Stone crab fishing is a 100% sustainable industry. The animals aren’t killed in the process and can live to scuttle another day. This means you don’t have to feel guilty eating your fill!
Abbia, take pride in our sustainable stone crab fishing process. We fished lawfully and safely, and can guarantee a delicious product every time!
You've got questions? We've got answers.
We recommend eating the stone crab claws within 1-2 days for the best quality, taste and experience. Please note: our Stone Crabs are cooked and ready to be enjoyed.
The average weight differs for colossal, jumbo, large, and medium. Since each order is based on weight, the number of claws per pound vary. We try our best to fill all orders accordingly.
Colossal: 7.1oz – 9.0oz (1 – 2 claws per lb.)
Jumbo: 5.1oz – 7.0oz (2 – 3 claws per lb.)
Large: 3.1oz – 5.0oz (4 – 5 claws per lb.)
Medium: 2.5oz – 3.0oz (6 – 7 claws per lb.)
Coming our Stone Crabs from Gulf of México we can supply Fresh Stone Crabs all year!
Yes. In fact, stone crab claws are cooked in our production facility the same day as they are caught. They are boiled for about eight minutes and then dipped in cold water and ice to stop the cooking process. All you have to do is crack and dip them in our delicious homemade mustard sauce.
Stone Crab (Menippe Mercenaria)
Menippe-Greek, means force or courage
Mercinaria-Latin, something of value.
Yes, but you have to eat a lot to get full. We recommend medium claws as an appetizer.
We understand you may may have more questions. We’re here to help. Feel free to reach out to us for more information.