Roe from different fish species are considered a delicacy in many countries. With increased catches of king crab and high meat prices, the question also arises about whether the crab's roe can be utilised.
On assignment from the Norwegian Seafood Federation (FHF), Fiskeriforskning has mapped today's situation in the roe market with an eye to possible commercial use of king crab roe.
Uncertain market
Roe from the king crab is not utilised today, and the scientists believe that it is not very likely that it can become a commercial success in the near future.
"The market is not ready for king crab roe. The female crab has large quantities of roe, but it does not have the properties the high-paying markets want", says Senior Scientist Frode Nilssen.
Sturgeon, trout and salmon roe are amongst the most exclusive products, and are characterised by their large size and distinctive taste. The king crab's roe grains are small and the taste is relatively neutral. Roe from other crabs is available on the market, but is used in different ways than fish roe, including as a flavouring or garnish.
"Also, the necessary technology is not available to remove the roe properly", says Nilssen. The properties of the king crab's roe can sometimes vary greatly during the year, depending on how far it has come in the spawning process. More knowledge is required about this in order to be able to remove the roe at a favourable time and handle it properly afterwards.
Prohibition against catching female crabs
The most important reason why the king crab roe cannot currently be commercially utilised is because there is a worldwide prohibition against catching of female crabs.
There is a debate concerning to what extent we want a stricter harvesting of the king crab population in the Barents Sea, and in such case, catching of female crabs could be a possibility. A possible abolition of the restriction, however, has not been discussed.
