Fuel costs squeeze Citrus County crab season despite strong start

Florida’s stone crab season began on Oct. 15, and initial catches in Citrus County have exceeded last year’s figures. However, rising fuel prices are creating financial strain across the supply chain, from the boats on the water to the retail counters in Crystal River.

The fishery operates on a sustainable model where fishermen remove only the claws that meet legal size standards. The crabs are returned to the water alive to regenerate their claws. This method requires frequent trips and careful handling, which drives up operational costs.

At The Crab Plant in Crystal River, production has been slightly higher than in the previous season. Kelly Kofmehl, who has worked in the industry since 1988, noted that the crabs arriving are also larger. "It's been decent," Kofmehl said. "We've had better starts, but we've had way worse."

Despite the strong catch, Kofmehl said every aspect of the business is now more expensive. The company has attempted to hold customer prices steady at last year’s levels rather than passing costs along. Instead, the business is focusing on internal efficiency to manage the higher production expenses.

Michelle "Shelly" Smith, co-owner of Shelly's Seafood Market, said retailers cannot always increase payments to fishermen if market prices do not rise. "They make less," Smith said. "We try to pay as much as we can, but it can't be more than market price." She explained that stone crab prices fluctuate daily based on supply and demand, leaving little room for businesses to absorb cost increases.

Karri Holliday, co-owner of Aripeka Stone Crab Company, reported a similar situation. Her business faces pressure from both higher fuel bills and slower consumer spending. She described the season’s start as average, noting that while early seasons are typically productive, this year has been somewhat slower.

Weather conditions have also impacted operations. Strong easterly winds kept boats in Smith’s area in port for several days during the second week of the season. Conversely, an offshore hurricane helped Kofmehl’s crew by stirring the water and encouraging crab movement. "The crabs move when in the rougher water," he said. Winter remains the peak period for the industry, as seasonal visitors drive demand.