Dungeness crab is a favorite among crab lovers, and their meat is especially great for crab cakes. A fresh Dungeness crab price is usually $24 to $40 per crab, and each crab weighs between 1.5 to 2 pounds. Crabs are shipped while living, with the expectation that they will be extremely drowsy or dead upon arrival. Live crab should be cooked within 24 hours to ensure freshness.
Frozen Dungeness crab is typically available for sale online, and consists of catch from the previous year. This is a great option for customers who have missed the Dungeness crab season, or those who do not live near a live seafood market where crab is readily available. Dungeness crab is caught and then flash-frozen right away to preserve the deliciously sweet flavor. Frozen Dungeness crab market price can range from $23 to $45 per pound. Some retailers price per whole crab instead of per pound, so make sure to check how it is measured and priced before purchasing.
Dungeness Crab Prices
| Company | Price/lb | Minimum Order | Shipping | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Seafoods | $18.70 | 10 lbs | $16.20 | |
| Lummi Island Wild | $28.38 | 6 lbs | FREE | |
| Seabear Smokehouse | $32.50 | 2 lbs | $19.99 | |
| Cameron’s Seafood | $35.33 | 3 lbs | $39.99 | |
| Tanner’s Alaskan Seafood | $44.95 | 1 lb | Free@8lbs |
Dungeness Crab Cost Factors
Fresh and frozen Dungeness crabs are priced based on what is seasonally available and how the annual catch responds to external factors like the Covid-19 pandemic, or the presence of domoic acid in the crabs’ native waters. The Dungeness crab market is highly responsive to these factors, and dips, halts, or increases can be understood within a larger context. Whether you’re looking for the Dungeness crab legs market price or just general information on the Dungeness crab market, know that a lot of factors can influence how much you pay.
Seasonal Availability & Demand
Dungeness crab fishers benefit from a fairly long fishing season, lasting from late November until late June or July. The ability to sell fresh Dungeness crab for a premium price, rather than frozen crab for a lower price, means larger profits for fishers. Dungeness crab is wildly popular on the North American Pacific coast, so intense in-season demand can drive up prices for eager consumers. Holidays tend to be popular purchasing times, so plan ahead if Dungeness crab is a must-have for the next special occasion.
Global Pandemic
Dungeness crab price 2019 was a bit different from 2020. Covid-19 pandemic has caused global shutdowns and slowed air traffic. Much of the international seafood industry is suffering as restaurants limit hours of operation and demand decreases. Many fisheries slowed operation or stopped fishing completely in the spring and early summer of 2020 due to lack of demand. The majority of that season’s catch was stored in large freezers until restaurants adapted for summer outdoor eating. Dungeness crab price has stayed relatively the same once fisheries began operating again. Seasonal prices for 2021 could be affected by the pandemic.
Domoic Acid Levels
The presence of domoic acid in the water has affected Dungeness crab cost in the past. Dungeness crabs themselves are not harmed by domoic acid, but it makes their meat dangerous for human consumption. Fisheries up and down the Pacific coast of North America have had to halt catch and production until domoic acid levels become safe. Because fisheries have closed down in the past, there have been halts in seafood markets and increases in Dungeness crab price. The last bout of extreme domoic acid levels occurred in 2019.
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