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Bairdi vs. Opilio: Alaska’s Snow Crabs

Alaska is renowned for its incredible seafood, and snow crab is no exception. Snow crab is made up of 2 species, both capturing seafood lovers with their sweet flavor and tender meat. But what exactly sets these species, Bairdi and Opilio, apart? While both are harvested from Alaska’s pristine waters, these crabs have differences in size, taste, and availability. Let’s dive into what makes each crab unique and why they’re so highly sought after.

What is Bairdi Crab?

Bairdi, also known as Tanner crab, is one of the crab species marketed under the umbrella of “snow crab”. Bairdi is sometimes referred to as ‘Giant Snow Crab’ because it is larger than its Opilio counterpart. Opilio crab typically weigh 1-2 pounds at harvest, while Bairdi can range from 2-4 pounds making them more desirable for their higher meat fill.

What is Opilio Crab?

Nicknamed Opies by fishermen, Opilio is the smaller of the two snow crab species. At harvest, these crabs typically weigh 1 ½ – 2 lbs but still boast delicious flavor for the consumer.

Opilio vs. Bairdi Habitat Range

Both Bairdi and Opilio crabs thrive in the icy waters surrounding Alaska, but their habitat ranges differ:

  • Bairdi: Are typically found in the the Bering Sea, along the Aleutian Islands, and even as far south as the Alexander Archipelago (Southeast Alaska).
  • Opilio: These crabs prefer the deeper waters of the Bering Sea. They’re typically found living further north than Bairdi, and thrive in the chilly depths between 150-2000 ft.

Though Opilio and Bairdi species have slightly different habitat ranges, the majority of where they live crossover making it very common for the species to breed with one another.

Quotas and Sustainability

Commercial quotas for snow crab in Alaska are carefully managed to ensure long-term sustainability for the species. Over the past several years, quotas for both Bairdi and Opilio have fluctuated based on population assessments and environmental factors, like borealization (warming of ocean temperatures). However, scientists are seeing encouraging signs regarding the health of their populations and have increased the TAC (total allowable catch) for the current seasons. These measures highlight the success of Alaska’s commitment to sustainable fishing.

Why Choose Alaska Snow Crab?

Alaska snow crab is celebrated for its top tier quality, unmatched fishery management, and delicious flavor. All Alaskan fisheries adhere to strict regulations to ensure responsible harvesting techniques and habitat protection. Because of this, Alaska’s snow crab is some of the most sustainable crab on the market, and is something consumers can feel good about eating. If you’d like to talk to one of our Keyport representatives about securing some of this seasons catch, visit our Snow Crab page or request a quote!

Keyport is committed to delivering wild seafood at its greatest. Always wild-caught using responsible fishing practices, Keyport’s seafood products are available through the finest restaurants and retailers nationwide.  Best-known for premium crab, our family-owned company is built upon five generations of innovation, long-standing supplier relationships and an unwavering passion and commitment to quality.