Species Farmed: soft-shell blue-swimmer crab
Common Names: blue-swimmer crab, sand crab (Qld), manna crab (WA), blue crab (SA)
Proper Name: Portunus pelagicus
Freshly harvested blue-swimmer crabs from our ponds, ready to moult into soft-shell crabs.
Where found in the wild: shallow tropical to temperate sandy bays and estuaries around the Australian coast, and throughout Asia.
Description of Species as a Gourmet Product:
Soft-shell crabs are one of the worlds' seafood delicacies, having been produced for more than 120 years from wild caught blue crabs in Chesapeake Bay, USA. Coral Coast Mariculture PL is the first company commercially produce this exciting new product for the Australian market entirely from aquaculture - from egg to product. Harvested when moulting, the shell-less crab is cooked and eaten completely, providing an easily prepared, delicious taste sensation that has created great excitement in the Australian restaurant industry.
This innovative, Australian developed aquaculture technology was recognised nationally in 2001 gaining a Jaguar Award for Excellence for Innovation in Produce.
When was it domesticated:
The first production of blue-swimmer soft-shell crabs, entirely from aquaculture, was achieved at QDPI&F’s Bribie Island Aquaculture Research Centre in December, 1999.
How much is produced:
Production has only just commenced. Within 4 years the company expects to produce 100 tonnes per annum.
Where is it sold:
Initially into local and Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra markets.
Where can it be found in the restaurant trade:
Hard-shell crabs from the CCM farm have been sold into the Sydney Fish Market, and purchased by a number of restaurants including Doyles.
Both fresh and frozen soft-shell crabs are now available for the restaurant trade. Successful tastings have been conducted at Pier Nine and Bretts Wharf.
Name of the Farmer: Clive Keenan PhD
Where is the Farm: 3 kms from the mouth of Littabella Creek and 40 kms northwest of Bundaberg, on the shore of the pristine waters of Hervey Bay.
For further information:
Dr Clive Keenan
Coral Coast Mariculture
Phone: (07) 4159 5691
Mobile: 0402 482 588