I feel a little sorry for the King Crab as they seemed to have evolved specifically for one purpose – to be eaten. They are huge crustaceans, growing up to two metres from claw to claw. They are very fleshy and are considered a delicacy – just one tasty leg can fill you right up.

Norway didn’t always have the King Crab. Russian Scientists ‘introduced’ it when they were experimenting with breeding near the Russian-Norwegian boarder to increase the yearly yield of their fisheries. The crab liked the environment so much it is now found along the entire coast of Norway. It has become just another ‘feral species’.

Norwegian scientists are very concerned for the natural ecosystem and see the crab as a threat. But you can certainly do your part – the more King Crabs you eat the more you are helping the environment – win/win.

In Finnmark you can go on a King Crab Safari if you have a diver’s licence – (and, if you want to brave the cold waters). Norwegians also hunt crabs in the winter. They make holes in the ice and fish for the crabs with lines and hooks.

We saw some pet crabs in a swimming pool at a stop over in Skarsvåg. My brother-in-law fished one out for us. Even though it wasn’t that big for a King Crab, I thought it best to admire from a distance.

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