Soft shell crabs are an important seasonal part of our coastal aquaculture industry. Crabs are identified and selected just prior to molting, then they are placed into special shedding trays and held until the molt takes place. While still soft (the new shell is soft ...and edible at shedding), the crabs are removed and processed as a delicacy for finer seafood outlets both in North Carolina and throughout the region. Annual Soft shell productions averages approximately 350,000 lbs with a farm gate value of over $2,500,000.
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