What biological curiosity allows fishermen to harvest only one claw from a stone crab?

The crab’s ability to regenerate a lost claw over time.

The stone crab industry operates based on the unique biological capacity of these crabs to regrow a detached claw. When one claw is harvested, provided it meets legal size requirements, the crab is returned to the water alive. This regenerative capability is central to the sustainability of the harvest. Because the crab must survive the procedure, the focus shifts from killing the animal to preserving its health post-operation. This contrasts sharply with harvesting methods that remove the entire crustacean, as this practice allows a single crab to potentially contribute to the food supply over multiple cycles throughout its life.