The giant king crab was introduced to the Barents Sea by Russian scientists during the 1960s. The crab thrived in these waters and spread rapidly to the west, where it can now be found along the northern coast of Norway. As the number of this species is in the millions, it consumes a great deal and there a concern over the impact to the local ecosystem, so controlled crab fishing is now permitted.
After a short stroll along the pier, you’ll get fitted with your all-in-one warm waterproof outfit and flotation suit and attend a safety briefing, then board your deep-sea raft with a driver/guide and set off towards the Sarnes Fjord to inspect the crab pots. King crab can live to 30 years old, measure up to 6 feet between its claws and weigh as much as 22 pounds. The catch in the crab pots you’ll pull, will most likely weigh between 6 to 15 pounds.
Upon returning from your expedition, you’ll sit inside a lavvu - a Sami tent with an open fire and reindeer skins on the ground. In this tent the crabs will be prepared and cooked for you, to have as a snack with bread and butter and choice of mineral water or coffee.
