Blue swimming crab, Portunus pelagicus. (Photo: Self GNU FDL)

NFI praises Philippines' committment to preserve blue swimming crab

The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture has published a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) regarding the conservation and regulation of blue swimming crab, becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to implement policies governing the capture and preservation of this crustacean.

The order, which came into effect 18 February, introduces regulations on minimum catch size, responsible fishing gear, closed crabbing seasons and the protection of berried female crabs.

“The Crab Council has been working towards crab sustainability in the Philippines for the better part of five years,” said Bobby Eduardo, treasurer of the Philippine Association of Crab Processors, Inc (PACPI) and a member of the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) Crab Council Executive Committee. “The government’s order will further bolster our efforts, and we hope to see the active enforcement of these sustainability-minded practices throughout the country.”

Crab Council Chairman Brendan Sweeny also welcomed Philippines' determination to enact policies that provide for better stock health.

“PACPI and our member companies have done a great job working towards sustainability and this order’s penalties give regulators some teeth,” said Sweeny. “In order to cultivate a resource it needs to be protected. By securing blue swimming crab stocks these policies will strengthen Crab Council work.”

The NFI Crab Council was founded in 2009 and funds blue swimming crab sustainability projects through contributions from participating companies and enjoys the generous support of the World Bank and the Walton Family Foundation.

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