Three Types
There are three main types of Alaskan king crab: brown (also known as golden), blue and red. According to FishEx: Alaska Seafoods, All Natural and Wild, the red king crab is the most prized crab species in the world because of its taste. The meat is snow-white with streaks of bright red when cooked. The shells turn from a dark burgundy to a bright red when cooked. The blue king crabs are known for their huge claws and are, as a whole, one of the largest crab species in the world and have been seen at 18 pounds. These are brown with deep blue highlights before cooked and after cooking are an orange-red so may often be served as red crab. Brown or golden king crabs are the smallest in size of the three main species and are similar in taste to blue king crab. They are orange-golden in color.
Location
Alaskan king crab is trapped in several locations in Alaskan waters. They are trapped in mesh cages similar to lobster traps, but much larger to catch many at once. Red king crab can be caught in Southeast Alaska, the Aleutians Islands, Bristol Bay, Pribilof Bay and Norton Sound. Blue king crab can be caught in Pribilof Bay and St. Matthew and golden or brown king crab can be caught in Southeast, the Aleutians and Pribilof Bay. Many of these places can be quite dangerous for crab boats and workers due to severely high seas, weather and temperatures which makes king crab even more prized and expensive in addition to its culinary demand.
Industry Value
Alaska's seafood industry is one of the most important private sector industries in the state and has provided more than 50 billion pounds of seafood over the last decade, according to The Alaska Almanac, 31st edition. In 2008, the total pounds in millions of shellfish caught was 103.17. The ex-vessel value of this in 2008 was $227.79 million compared to $132.83 million in 2007 and $153.64 million in 2006. As of August 2009, the price per pound for Alaska Red King Crab was $19.95.
Market Value
Many "white-tablecloth" restaurants will serve freshly steamed crab legs (usually red king crab but occasionally the blue or brown) and will stick a lofty price tag on the meal. Most restaurants buy frozen, glazed king crab legs for about $19.95 per pound. As of August 2009, 2 Sisters Alaskan Seafood sells 10 pounds of king crab legs for $249.95.
