Business · Energy & Commodities · 4 hrs ago
West Sea crab prices nearly double as catches fall
Male blue crab prices in South Korea nearly doubled as catches in the West Sea fell.
In the third week of October, the average auction price was 20,400 won per kilogram, up 92.45% from a year earlier.
This autumn’s West Sea crab catch is forecast at 69% to 92% of last year’s level, partly because crab grounds have spread across the sea, making fishing less efficient.
Prices for other seasonal seafood also rose: sea bream was up 119.12% and shucked oysters 30.53% from a year earlier.
Mackerel prices moved the other way, falling 17.65% to 2,800 won per kilogram as catches are expected to be about 10% above the recent five-year average.
Crab prices may keep rising as catches decline and some fishing boats switch to other species.
Retailers say they are cutting margins and offering discounts to limit price increases for shoppers.
West Sea male swimming crab prices rose nearly 92.5% year on year as catches fell.
The average auction price in the third week of October was 20,400 won per kilogram.
The National Institute of Fisheries Science forecast the autumn West Sea crab catch at 69% to 92% of last year’s level.
Prices for croaker and shucked oysters also rose, while mackerel prices fell as catches increased.
Retailers have used discounts and lower margins to limit the impact on consumer prices.
- Who
- West Sea crab fishers and seafood buyers are affected. Retailers including E-Mart and Coupang are also mentioned.
- What
- Male swimming crab prices nearly doubled year on year as catches declined.
- When
- The price data covers October 12–17, 2026; the reports were published on October 26 and 27.
- Where
- The story concerns the West Sea and seafood markets in South Korea.
- Why
- The crab catch fell, with fishing grounds spreading across the West Sea and reducing catch efficiency per net.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The West Sea crab fishing ban was lifted, and E-Mart and Coupang sold crabs for 689 won per 100 grams.
Crab catches declined and prices began to rise.
The average auction price for male swimming crabs reached 20,400 won per kilogram.
News outlets reported the price increase and the forecast for a smaller autumn catch.
- Male crab auction price
- 20,400 won per kilogram
- Year-on-year crab price increase
- 92.45%
- Forecast autumn West Sea crab catch
- 12,000–16,000 tonnes
- Croaker auction price
- 14,900 won per kilogram, up 119.12% year on year
- Mackerel auction price
- 2,800 won per kilogram, down 17.65% year on year
- Retail crab price at E-Mart
- About 1,500 won per 100 grams
3 sources
What people are saying
The catch of male swimming crabs is declining, and more fishing boats are switching to other species, so prices are generally rising; we are holding down retail prices by running discount events and reducing margins.