Observations On Distribution And Abundance Of Red Crabs In Norfolk Canyon And Adjacent Continental Slope

The results of June, 1973 trawl and trap sets in the Norfolk Canyon and adjacent slope area are summarized with respect to red crab (Geryon quinquedens) distribution and abundance. Red crabs ranged in depth from 145 to 870 fathoms but were most abundant from 145 to 280 fathoms. This species was more abundant on the adjacent slope area than in Norfolk Canyon. Crabs caught ranged from 2 to 6 inches in carapace width. Most of the crabs were in the hard shell condition but a few peeler, soft, and papershell crabs were also caught, indicating that molting was occurring. The crabs were segregated with regard to sex. Deeper catches had more males, shallower catches had more females. A few ovigerous females were caught in both the canyon and slope area