Paddle Crabs belong to the Portunidae family.

They are found around New Zealand and also Southern Australia where the species is widely distributed on coasts with a sandy seabed and shallow water.

Paddle Crab Fishery

Paddle Crabs are caught with baited traps or pots.

New Zealand's Paddle Crab fishery is managed by strict quotas, which allow only a set amount of Paddle Crab to be taken commercially each year. This Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) was set at 765 metric tonnes for the 2009/10 fishing year.

Paddle Crab Meat Quality

Paddle Crabs have bright, white flesh that is crisp and moist.

For meal ideas using Paddle Crab, check out recipes on the Greatest Meal on Earth website.