Crabmeat, Jonah

Scientific Name

Cancer borealis

Harvest Method

Wild Caught

Harvest Area

Maine and New England Coastal States

Seasonality

Year Round

Responsible Sourcing Information

The Jonah crab resource and fishery are cooperatively managed by the states and the NOAA Fisheries under the framework of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (Commission). Individual states manage the resource within their state waters (0-3 nautical miles from the shoreline) and the federal government manages the resource in the Exclusive Economic Zone (3-200 nautical miles from the shoreline). 

Editorial

“Jonah Crab, scientifically known as Cancer borealis, is a species of crab primarily found in the Atlantic waters off the eastern coast of North America. Its reddish-brown shell, adorned with striking black-tipped claws, makes it easily distinguishable. The meat of Jonah crab is renowned for its succulent taste, which is delicate, sweet, and slightly nutty.

Jonah Crab is found from Newfoundland to Florida but the primary landing area for commercial fisheries is Maine where they are caught in lobster traps year-round as bycatch. As demand grew for Jonah crab, a management plan was developed to promote conservation and allow for sustainable fishing of the species.

Jonah crabmeat’s firm texture holds up well in various cooking methods, making it a versatile ingredient in numerous seafood dishes. The meat is tender and juicy, particularly in the claws, which are a delicacy. It is often compared to Dungeness or Stone crab, though it’s darker and heavier in texture than Dungeness. Jonah crab meat is incredibly diverse in its culinary applications. The meat itself is sweet and tender and is perfect for crab cakes or chowder and the claws are perfect just as they are, served over ice as an appetizer.

If Jonah crabmeat is not available, Snow crab, Dungeness crab, King crab, Blue crab, and Stone crab are all suitable substitutes due to their similar taste and texture. “