THE PHILIPPINE BLUE SWIMMING CRAB MANAGEMENT PLAN

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
BUREAU OF FISHERIES AND AQUATIC RESOURCES

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Blue Swimming Crab Management Plan (BSCMP)

The Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) Management Plan will be the framework of
regulatory measures for the proper management of the BSC fisheries in the
Philippines. The BSC, scientifically named Portunus pelagicus, locally known
as “kasag”, “lambay”, “masag”, “alimasag” is the focus of this management
plan.

The goal of the BSCMP is to ensure the sustainability of the BSC resources.
In keeping with the Philippine Fisheries Code, this plan specifically protects
the interest of the municipal capture fisheries and sets forth management
measures based on the best available scientific evidence on the status of blue
swimming crab resources.

1.2 Importance of Management Plan

It aims to achieve “sustainability” in utilizing our natural resources, the effect

of the environment on the resource and the effect of resource exploitation on
the environment. BSCMP is a highly integrated approach that encompasses all
the complexities of ecosystem dynamics, the social and economic needs of
human communities, and the maintenance of diverse, functioning and healthy
ecosystem. It requires careful account on the condition of ecosystem that may
affect crab stocks and their productivity. It also requires careful account of the
ways fishing activities may affect marine ecosystems. Management decisions
are best made using multiple lines of evidence and precautionary approach:
“when in doubt, err on the side of conservation”.

1.3 Objectives

The objectives of the BSCMP are:

Long Term:
a. Ensure the sustainability of the BSC resources and rational management of
the fisheries;
b. Develop and improve breeding, hatchery and grow-out technology for
BSC;
c. Maintain the catch and effort of BSC to a sustainable level (with LGU,
fisherfolks, other stakeholders with direct dependence on the resource).

Short Term:
a. Monitor and evaluate the current state of the BSC industry;
b. Regulate the fishing capacity and effort in catching BSC;

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 c. Recommend the use of environmental and social-friendly fishing gears
(i.e. crab pot/trap);
d. Provide regular updates on the scientific data for catch, effort and
biological parameters;
e. Provide management measures for gravid crabs and juveniles (regardless
of species);
f. Increase public awareness on the conservation and protection of BSC;
g. Create strong linkage with the LGU and other stakeholders for a
collaborative efforts in the management;
h. Create Technical Working Group (TWG) to institutionalize the
implementation of the plan;
i. Develop a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based map of the BSC
fisheries of the country;
j. Empower stakeholders to develop technical competence in managing the
blue swimming crab resource;
k. Enforce the implementation of fishery laws and regulations.

1.4 Application

The management measures contained in this Plan shall apply to all forms of
activities leading to the utilization of BSCs. For purposes of this Plan, the
defined area covers all fishing grounds of BSCs such as but not limited to
Guimaras Strait, Visayan Sea, Samar Sea, Ticao Pass, Burias pass, and others.

The management measures to be implemented by the Bureau of Fisheries and

Aquatic Resources (BFAR) applies to National waters but in municipal waters
the measures provides assistance (technical/financial) to the Local
Government Units (LGUs).

2.0 MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

2.1 Description of Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus)

The blue swimming crabs, Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus 1758) Phylum

Arthropoda, Class Crustacea, Order Decapoda and Family Portunidae is
locally named “kasag” (Hiligaynon), “alimasag” (Tagalog), and “lambay”
(Bisaya). The carapace is hard, rough and broadly flattened extending to nine
protrusions on the sides with the last one quiet pronounced. It has a single pair
of chelae, with three pairs of long ridged legs and a pair of modified legs as
swimming paddles. Generally, the color of female and male BSC is mottled
brown and mottled blue, respectively.

This species are cosmopolitan in the coastal waters of the Philippines. Juvenile
individuals are found in the shallow waters (mostly in seagrass, seaweeds and
algal beds while the mature ones are found in sandy substrates at deeper
waters of up to 20 meters isobaths (Ingles 1996). The average size of maturity
for females is 10.56-cm and 9.64-cm for males (Ingles and Braum 1998).
Please refer to Annex A - Biology of Blue Swimming Crab.

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2.2 Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) Fishery

The BSC fishery is a significant sub-sector of the crustacean fishery. The BSC
catch is steadily declining in volume and crab size due to the serious depletion
of the breeding stock of crabs. The fishing gear that catches crab particularly
the crablets are municipal trawl, fish corral, crab entangling net, pulling net
“suwayang”, push net, man trawl using sailboat.

BSC fishermen currently use entangling nets for crabs, a long rectangular
panel of netting with diamond-shaped mesh that are held vertically in the
water column and anchored so that the net touches the bottom of the ocean
floor. It is made of nylon 0.30mm twine size, 4 knots and 50 meshes depth.
One unit of crab entangling net is 133 meters long and using 18 units resulting
to more than 2-km of entangling net per fisher per operation. This is a non-
selective fishing method that does not allow for the return to sea of juvenile
crabs that have not yet reached sexual maturity or gravid crabs that have not
yet spawned. The retained (fishes, other crabs and rays) and discarded by-
catch (other crabs, sponges, mollusks, and others) of the entangling net blue
swimming crabs fisheries is also substantial and in some cases are causing
pressure to other protected, endangered and threatened species like sharks,
some shells, and the famous Irrawaddy Dolphins (Romero 2009, Flores 2005,
Ingles 2003). The continued use of entangling nets and trawl fishing will
result in the loss of the main source of income for 30% of the population
(Ingles, 1996).

Other crab fishermen are using crab trap/pot also known as “panggal” which
are enticing devices generally made of bamboo splits woven together and
provided with a non-return valve for easy entrance but difficult to exit and that
the crab still alive inside the pot which could be back in the water if it is a
gravid one or not yet matured. This fishing gear has simple structure, which
can be handled easily on board a small fishing boat.

The use of crab trap/pot as a recommended fishing method will allow

fishermen to return gravid and juvenile crabs to the sea encouraging
sustainable fishing, while increasing fishing incomes. Crabs caught by this
fishing gear are maintained alive. Lost “panggal” at sea has less
environmental hazard for it is biodegradable and able to decompose in a
period of 3 to 5 months. Nonetheless, compared to synthetic nets which are
non-biodegradable can cause ghost fishing by catching of fish, crustaceans,
mammals, etc. and are difficult to retrieve. The crab pot method will also
create an additional income-generating activities for the community: supply
the bamboo needed to produce the pots, develop and utilize skills in weaving,
and gather otherwise less valued trash fish to be used as baits.

The enacted Ordinance No. 019, series of 2003 an ordinance regulating the
catching, selling, possessing or buying of Gravid Blue Swimming Crabs and
Crablets in the Province of Negros Occidental was the first to acknowledge the
need to protect this resource due to environmental responsibility and urgency.
The Northern Iloilo Alliance for Coastal Development (NIACDEV) followed
suit by passing an ordinance banning the catch and trade of berried females

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and crablets of Portunus pelagicus. The NIACDEV is composed of the
municipalities of Carles, Balasan, Estancia, Concepcion, San Dionisio, Sara,
Lemery, Batad and Ajuy.

2.3 Other Species of Crabs

The management measures of other commercially important species of

crabs such as Charybdis feriata (Christian crab), Portunus
sanguinolentus (Three-spot swimming crab), Charybdis natator
(Ridged swimming crab) shall be included in this plan as a
precautionary approach subject to further studies by NFRDI.

2.4 Industry Situationer

2.4.1 Catch Statistics

In year 2011, data showed that the Blue Swimming Crabs harvested by the
municipal fishery sector accounts to 95.38% (27,920.67MT) while the
commercial fishery contributes only 4.62% (1,353.53 MT). The volume BSC
harvested in year 2011 contributes to 1.34% of the annual fishery production.
Likewise, BSC fishing industry based on 2009 Fisheries Statistics rank 20
among the highest fishery commodity. Similarly, it is the 4 th most important
fishery export of the country in terms of value (39,171 U$D or P1,852,785) of
processed/frozen crabs meat and fat. In that same year, export volume and
value processed/frozen crabmeat and fat represents 5.80% of the total fish and
fishery product exports.

Figure 1. Blue Swimming Crab Production trends by Regions, 2004-2011

16,000.00 VI
14,000.00 VIII
12,000.00 V
10,000.00 IV-B
8,000.00 IX
6,000.00 III
4,000.00 VII
2,000.00 IV-A
0.00 X
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 CARAGA

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 2.4.2 Statistics of licensed fishing boats used for catching Blue
swimming crab

Table 1. Fishing gears used mainly for catching crabs by the

number of owners/operators by province in CY 2008
Fishing Gear Negros Capiz Iloilo Guimaras
Occidental Island
Crab Fishing (entangling net & Pots) 444
Crab entangling net 298 31 13 90
Crab liftnet 2 3
Crab pot/trap (Panggal) 218 14 541 100
Total 926 45 557 190

2.4.3 Size composition of the catch, stock assessment and other

regional data

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources’ National Stock

Assessment Program (BFAR’s NSAP) conducted an assessment of the
northeastern side of Visayan Sea resources in 1999-2003, which
unfortunately did not include landings from the neighboring islets.
Thus, landings prior to NSAP project coverage are grossly
underestimated.

Table 2. Annual Trend of estimated Municipal Production (MT) of Blue

Swimming Crabs from Top 10 Major Producers, 2004-2011
Regions 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Average
VI 14,903.06 13,743.92 11,158.29 9,545.31 10,026.32 9,993.78 9,382.55 8,928.28 10,960.19
VIII 5,904.49 7,202.40 5,889.56 6,355.58 4,904.53 3,628.59 3,314.42 2,981.91 5,022.69
V 3,861.08 3,666.97 3,359.18 5,299.65 4,671.02 4,072.56 5,210.14 4,784.24 4,365.61
IV-B 3,414.06 3,012.86 3,208.92 3,727.11 4,596.52 3,915.33 3,321.75 3,358.20 3,569.34
IX 1,296.05 1,084.73 850.71 1,092.74 1,339.70 1,488.13 1,287.31 1,396.96 1,229.54
III 1,355.75 1,010.04 1,063.33 1,286.97 1,191.89 1,205.06 1,161.41 1,178.68 1,181.64
VII 353.43 571.55 1161.37 1,303.89 1,557.19 1,599.10 1,427.57 1,420.48 1,174.32
IV-A 491.39 520.7 541.02 562.53 572.55 828.3 1,331.82 1,913.13 845.18
X 476.98 603.77 915.16 1,008.97 1,050.34 560.13 650.61 552.87 727.35
CARAGA 170.01 274.5 243.62 233.48 346.13 108.28 105.18 137.36 202.32
Annual 32,656.22 32,894.68 29,350.89 31,505.16 31,509.14 28,271.55 28,169.95 27,920.67 30,284.78

2.5 Economic and Social Context

2.5.1 Production, Employment, and Exports

The regional crab production is highest in Region VI contributing

32.23%, which include Negros Occidental exporting crabmeats to parts
of the U.S. and Asia. Region VIII follows it at 21.46% and Region V at
17.89% (Fisheries Statistics 2007). Several seafood companies
ventured in the Philippines such as Phillips Seafood and Byrd
International, both companies were based in the Chesapeake Bay area

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 in Maryland, USA and they import BSCs from Guimaras Strait,
Visayan Sea, and East side of Negros.

Due to increasing demand on Blue Swimming Crabs since early 1990,

crab overfishing and habitat destruction became a major issue of the
Blue Swimming Crab industry. According to the initial survey of the
Capture Fisheries Division (CFD) in the Visayan Sea (Eleserio, F.O.
and M.M. Mandreza, January 7, 2010 Field Report), the Blue
Swimming Crab harvest had declined from 20 kilos per day in the
early 1990’s to 5 kilos per day per fishermen in years 2008 and 2009.
Likewise, processing plants or crab meat picking plants decline its
production from two (2) tons per day to one (1) ton per day during
peak season and 500 kilograms every other day during lean season.
August is the common peak month for Blue Swimming Crab fishing
while March and April are the common lean months.

There are two (2) BFAR-Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point

(HACCP) accredited crab meat picking plant in the Philippines namely
RGE AgriDev Corp. and Phil Union Frozen Foods Incorporated. Both
companies are located in Cebu. The United States is the major export
destination for pasteurized crabmeat. The number of fishing boats
involved in catching crabs in the Visayan Sea is at 972 (NSAP data,
2005) with an estimated of 2 fishers per boat. There are 27 crab meat
picking station/plants in the Visayan Sea estimating 30 employed
individual per station including the plant operators, drivers, cooks,
pickers, packers and middlemen/buyers. The job generated for blue
swimming crab processing in this area of Visayan Sea is more or less
3,000 individuals. The table below shows the crab export from year
1999 to 2010.

Table 3. Volume and Value of Crab and Crab Fat Export, 1999 to 2009
Quantity %
Year % Change Value ($) % Change Value (P)
(MT) Change
2010 5,795 33.00 60,422 54.25% 2,704,504 45.97
2009 4,357 21.46 39,171 12.57% 1,852,785 20.39
2008 3,587 (10.10) 34,794 (14.63) 1,538,919 (18.00)
2007 3,990 (13.07) 40,755 20.02 1,876,742 8.52
2006 4,590 3.64 33,956 (9.76) 1,729,416 (11.17)
2005 4,429 11.82 37,629 18.36 1,946,838 18.36
2004 3,961 (23.91) 31,793 (2.95) 1,644,888 (2.96)
2003 5,206 (1.70) 32,761 8.99 1,695,005 8.99
2002 5,296 (6.30) 30,058 (4.89) 1,555,145 1.98
2001 5,652 23.46 31,602 65.13 1,524,925 97.73
2000 4,578 34.81 19,138 43.61 771,210 43.62
1999 3,396 13,326 536,988
Total 44,685 305,812 14,820,076
Average 4,469 2.07 30,581 13.76 1,482,008 16.34

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 2.5.2 The Processing Sector

Resource reduction on raw crab supply has become more of a problem

for the year 2009. Majority of fishers and picking plants dilemma was
the difficulty to catch considerable amount of crab compared to year
2007 and 2008. It became more problematic when fuel price and cost
of fishing provisions went up this year, including the various natural
and manmade calamities encountered.

Most of the crabmeat picking plants at present is in the process of

applying for the HACCP accreditation. Various seminars and plant
inspection has been made by the BFAR Central Office and Regional
Offices to ensure the quality of produce crab meat since processing has
its critical importance on the quality of products and its marketability.

Station buyers also known as middlemen usually buy raw crabs from
fishers. These middlemen steam or boil the crabs prior to transport to
picking stations. In the picking station, cooked crabs are bought and
are sorted according to its size. Quality crabmeat undergoes the
following processing procedure:

Figure 2. Flow Diagram in Processing Blue Swimming Crab Meat

Step 1 (Cooking and Cooling) Step 2 (Picking and Packaging)

Raw Materials (Crab)

@ 250 kg per operation Separate the meat from the shell

Cooking of Crabs Put them in plastic container

No. of load=50 kg crabs with icing overnight for firming of
2 liters of water for 35-40 meat
minutes boiling period

Deliver to the Packaging and

Spread and cool crabs on grading the crabmeat
cooling table with the use of
electric fan for 45minutes

Put crab meat in canister and

weight then sealed
(pasteurized)

2.6 Legal and Policy Context

2.6.1 National Policy Framework. The policy framework for

fisheries management in the Philippines as provided in national

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 law, notably the Fisheries Code (Republic Act 8550) and the
Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (AFMA) RA
8435, both enacted in 1998, and the Local Government Code
(LGC) RA 7160. The Fisheries Code deals with fisheries
management while the AFMA views fisheries as a component
of the entire agricultural sector. The LGC, on the other hand, is
not specifically a fisheries law, rather, it is a general law that
spells out the guidelines for the local autonomy and
decentralization, which includes fishery functions.

2.6.2 The Fisheries Code. The Fisheries Code adheres to the

following objectives: (i) conservation, protection and sustained
management of the country’s fishery and aquatic resources; (ii)
poverty alleviation and the provision of supplementary
livelihood among municipal fisherfolk; (iii) improvement of
productivity of aquaculture within ecological limits; (iv)
optimal utilization of offshore and deep-sea resources; and (v)
upgrading of post-harvest technology. The Fisheries Code is a
codification of existing fishery laws.

BFAR’s current mandate in the coastal area, which largely

encompasses municipal waters, is now limited to technical
assistance to LGUs in conservation, production, processing and
marketing of fish products.

The responsibilities of BFAR as provided by the Fisheries Code

which affect government’s policy on blue swimming crab
fishing include:

 Issuance of licenses for the operation of commercial fishing

vessels through the Director’s office (national), regional
offices, or any provincial fishery office;

 Monitor and review joint fishing agreements between

Filipino citizens and foreigners who conduct fishing
activities in international waters, and ensure that such
agreements are not contrary to Philippine commitment
under international treaties and convention of fishing in the
high seas;

 Formulate and implement a Comprehensive Fishery

Research and Development Program to include, but not
limited to, sea farming, sea ranching, tropical/ornamental
fish and seaweed culture, aimed at increasing resource
productivity, improving resource use efficiency, and
ensuring the long-term sustainability of the country’s
fishery and aquatic resources;

 Establish and maintain a Comprehensive Fishery

Information System;

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 Establish a corps of specialist in collaboration with the
Department of National Defense (DND), DILG, and
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the efficient
monitoring, control and surveillance of fishing activities
within Philippine territorial waters and provide the
necessary facilities, equipment and training therefore;

 Enforce all laws, formulate and enforce all rules and

regulations governing the conservation and management of
fishery resources;

 Recommend measures for the protection/enhancement of

the fishery industries;

 Formulate rules and regulations for the conservation and

management of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory
fish stocks; and
 Perform such other related functions, which shall promote
the development, conservation, management, protection and
utilization of fisheries and aquatic resources.

Some Highlights of the Fisheries Code are as follows:

 Modes of limitation of access. The fishing license and

permit system is mandated to be based on the limits of
MSY, with preference in allocation to local communities in
adjacent or nearest municipal waters. Catch ceiling
limitations are intended to limit access through restrictions
on the harvesting of resources.

 Temporal and spatial limitation. The establishment of

closed seasons and closed areas, as well as fish refuge and
sanctuaries, is another mode of limiting access. The
municipal government, in consultation with the FARMC,
has jurisdiction over the establishment of closed seasons
and closed areas within municipal waters, while the BFAR,
with the concurrence and approval of the affected LGU and
FARMC, may do so in waters within municipal boundaries.

 User fees and other charges. User fees and other fishery
charges are based on resource rent. This concept considers
social benefits from using the fishery as a resource, over and
above financial profits of users. Other procedures
recognized as limiting access include the limited entry of
both commercial and municipal fishing vessels in areas
deemed as overfished by either the DA or relevant LGU.
Another is the absolute prohibition on the use of active (e.g.,
trawl, purse seine, Danish seine, pushnet and bagnet) fishing

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 gear in municipal waters; and that of fishing beyond the
TAC or fishing during closed seasons.

 Jurisdiction of local governments. The Fisheries Code

strengthens the responsibilities of municipality/city
government in fishery management through legislation,
enforcement, the granting of fishery rights and privileges,
and conservation (RA 8550, Article 1 Section 16).

 Priority to municipal fisherfolk. The preferential rights of

subsistence fishers to communal fishing and marine areas,
as guaranteed by the Constitution and the LGU, are
reiterated by the Fisheries Code through Sec. 7, which states
that priority should be given to resource users in the local
communities adjacent to municipal waters, and Sec. 17,
which refers to the preference for organized local fisherfolk
organizations.

 Enforcement. The Fisheries Code maintains the multiplicity

of government agencies and other entities tasked to enforce
fishery laws. Persons and deputies who are authorized to
enforce the Fisheries Code include law enforcement officers
of the DA, Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine Coast Guard
(PCG), Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-
MG), law enforcement officers of the LGU and other
government enforcement agencies, and deputy fish wardens
(government officials and employees, Punong Barangays,
and officers and members of fisherfolk organizations).

 Institutional strengthening. The BFAR, with a weaker

mandate in the past years, has been restored to its functions,
and provided with a reorganized structure that allows it to
create regional, provincial, and municipal offices as
necessary. An office of Undersecretary of Fisheries and
Livestock has also been created within the DA.

Administrative Orders issued by BFAR relevant to blue

swimming crab fishing and pursuant to the provisions
enumerated above are:
 FOO 233. Creation of a National Technical Working Group
(TWG) for the Blue Swimming Crab Industry. 06/02/2009
 FAO 155. Regulating the use of fine-meshed nets in
fishing. 06/23/1986
 FAO 155-1. Amending Section 2 of Fisheries
Administrative Order (FAO) No. 155, regulating the use of
fine meshed nets in fishing. 06/23/1994
 FAO 222. Regulations on the operation of Modified Danish
seine. 10/30/03

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  FAO 201. Ban of fishing with active gear. 01/23/2000
 FAO 233. Aquatic Wildlife Conservation. 04/16/2010
 Department of Agriculture Administrative Order No. 1,
2004. Guidelines on the delineation of municipal waters.
 Republic Act No. 7160 – Local Government Code of 1991
further devolves the management of the municipal fisheries
waters (within the 15 km radius from the shoreline) to the local
government units covering the area.
 Executive Order No. 305 – Devolving to Municipal and City
Governments the Registration of Fishing Vessels Three (3)
Gross Tonnage Below.

With reference to FAOs 155 and 155-1, on fine meshed nets, the
Fisheries Code mentions the promulgation of FAO to amend FAOs
155 and 155-1.

2.6.3 AFMA Law. AFMA expresses the “policy of the State to ensure
that all sectors of the economy and all regions of the country shall be
given optimum opportunity to develop through the rational and
sustainable use of resources peculiar to each area in order to maximize
agricultural productivity, promote efficiency and equity and accelerate
the modernization of the agriculture and fisheries sectors of the country.”
There is a divergence in the objectives of the two laws. AFMA
essentially places priority on sustained increase in production,
industrialization, and full employment while the Fisheries Code
prioritizes management, conservation and protection of fishery
and aquatic resources, optimal utilization of existing resources,
and maintenance of ecological balance and the quality of the
environment.

2.6.4 The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is one of the agencies

assigned to enforce fisheries law. It is also responsible for
inspecting vessels for compliance with licensing, safety and
manning requirements.

2.6.5 Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MG). RA

6975 created the PNP Maritime Group, a maritime police unit
within the Philippine National Police, and which has been
vested with the authority to perform all police functions “over
Philippine territorial waters and rivers, and coastal areas…”

3.0 IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK

3.1 Research and Development (R & D)

The Fisheries Code (Sect. 2) commits to the use of Total Allowable Catch
(TAC) and Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) with both defined under the

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Fisheries Code (definitions 55 and 72) in the management of fisheries in
Philippine waters. Given the current data deficiency, MSY and TAC are still
not available as shown in the table. Further, the following shall be included:
stock assessment, morphometric parameters, population dynamics, supply
chain mapping and socio-economic fishery monitoring as areas for research.

Table 4. Estimated MSY and TAC

MSY TAC Current Comment
Catch MT
Blue swimming crab, all 15,000 MSY and TAC to be
species of crustaceans calculated by the
(MT) NFRDI-NSAP

3.1.1 Monitoring

LGU Fishery Technician/NSAP Enumerator shall monitor daily

catch for crab in respective Municipalities, and BFAR be
furnished with the monthly data. The Philippine Association of
Crabs Processors, Inc. (PACPI) as BFAR partner shall provide
data from picking plants and buying stations. BFAR shall
continue the registration of crab processors, traders and
exporters for the purpose of traceability.

3.1.2 Aquaculture

Improvement of hatchery, nursery and grow-out technology

and enhancement of BSC (Portunus pelagicus) in key areas
identified shall be conducted by BFAR thru the National
Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI), in
collaboration with the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development
Center – Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC-AQD),
Academe, LGU, and PACPI.

3.1.3 Crab Stock Enhancement

Encourage the establishment and improvement of holding

cages of berried crabs in municipal waters to enhance crab
stocks. LGU shall be required to formulate a municipal
ordinance requiring the BSC buyers to establish prescribed
holding cages for berried crabs.

3.3.1. Juvenile Production

3.3.2. Seeding/Sea Ranching
3.3.3. BSC Sanctuaries

3.1.4 Socio-economic study

Conduct a socio-economic and supply chain study of the BSC

industry.

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3.2 Regulations

3.2.1 Monitoring on the Status of the Population

In order to achieve this, the following sets of data are to be

collected and shall be stored in data base system:

1. Annual catch estimates through test fishing, landing and

processors production receipts
2. Fishing effort for the above catch estimates (logs)
3. Operational data (catch per unit effort) over the years of
each gear type and vessel size
4. Biological morphometrics (sex, carapace width, carapace
length and weight) – analysis
5. Growth, mortality and recruitment parameters
6. Fecundity

3.2.2 Fishing Capacity

Noting the current lack of definitive data to determine

appropriate levels of fishing effort and catch, and the high
estimated exploitation rates, a precautionary approach to
fishing effort is hereby applied until adequate estimates of
exploitation rate can be ascertained. The following data should
be collected:
1. The number of municipal fishing boat for blue
swimming crabs
2. The total gross tonnage of the blue swimming crab
boats
3. The number of fishing days and the frequency of
fishing
4. The total number of fishers

3.2.3 Fishing Gear/Ground Limitation

1. The use of crab pots and liftnets over entangling
nets.
2. Crab trap/pot must have a limited number of units
while the length/depth and or units of entangling
nets per fishing boat shall also be limited.
3. Regulate the use of entangling nets and disallow the
use of trammel nets/multi-layered nets, trawl/otter
trawl.
4. In addition, the minimum mesh size for gillnet shall
be 5 cm stretch mesh and that no gillnet fishing
activity in areas with depth less than 10 meters in
order to minimize the catching of juvenile crabs
(Germano, 2006). Likewise, crab pots deployed in
shallow areas, catch generally smaller crabs than

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 gillnets which are deployed in deeper water
(Germano, 2006).

3.2.4 Addressing Crabs as By-catch

1. Regulate mesh size of fish pots/traps and liftnets and
the use of trammel nets to minimize crab by-catch.
2. Provide guidelines to ensure crab by-catch is
avoided and if not, should be returned at sea alive.
3. Policy guidelines for proper disposal of used
entangling nets and guidelines for the construction
of entangling nets and pots to prevent/minimize
ghost fishing of lost traps or entangling nets.

3.2.5 Protection of Critical Life stages of BSC

1. The minimum size of BSCs to be caught, sold, or

traded shall be 10.2 cm (or 4 inches) in carapace
width. The minimum size regulation should be
strictly implemented for carapace width
measurement procedure, see Diagram 1.
2. Investments in improving hatchery techniques for
possible hatchery-reared stock enhancement.
3. Establishment of blue swimming crab sanctuaries in
Municipal waters particularly in seagrass beds and
mangrove forests.

3.2.6 Closed Fishing Season/Area

To prevent recruitment overfishing, a close season shall be

imposed per specific locality provided that there is a scientific
data of at least two years to support the measure. This shall
entail regular monitoring by NSAP or other academic
institutions or other credible research institutions. This will be
coordinated with LGUs on actual occurrence of gravid crabs
and continuing studies on peak catching season.

3.3 Information, Education and Communications (IEC) Campaign

 Dissemination of information materials

 Conduct of forum/symposium, trainings and seminars

14
 3.4 Timetable of Implementation

This plan intends to implement the programs/activities and target schedule as

stated below (items A and B):

A. Program of Activities for Implementing BSC Management Plan

Period of Implementation
Activities
2012 2013 2014 2015
1. Approval and adoption of BSCMP 2nd
Qtr.
2. IEC campaign on the importance of Blue
Swimming Crab Management Plan
3. Capability building of BFAR, LGU, PACPI, and
other stakeholders in managing blue swimming
crab resource
4. Inventory/Assessment of Blue Swimming Crab,
stocks, boats, gears, fishers, processing plants at
the municipal level
5. Review/Amendments on the formulation of
Comprehensive MFO
- Consultation/public hearing
6. Registration and licensing of Blue Swimming
Crab fishers, gear, boats, processing plants
7. R and D on Blue swimming crab
- Development of breeding, hatchery and
grow-out facilities
- Natural habitats and ecosystem structure
studies
8. Production enhancement for proper management
of berried crabs thru installation of cages in
prioritized/cluster areas
- Reseeding Program
9. Implementation of integrated blue swimming crab
resource management measures

B. Strategies of Implementation

Based on the above activities, government, private agencies/institutions, and

PACPI should cooperate to implement the various activities. Through a TWG or a
Committee, the different units should identify what activities they will implement and
prepare project proposals with areas coverage and budgetary requirements. The TWG
or Committee should monitor the implementation of activities by the units based on
their methodology and itineraries. As shown in the period of implementation, the units
could agree on the priorities and likewise, prepare their budgetary requirements.

4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF IMPLEMENTING UNITS

The following defines the responsibilities of the implementing units and other
pertinent agencies:

15
4.1 BFAR – The Bureau thru the TWG will play key roles in the
implementation of this plan. It will spearhead and harmonize all
efforts, activities and initiatives to be conducted within the plan. All
necessary data/information and statistics shall be provided by the
Bureau as well as technical assistance for the benefit of the plan. A
research body should be tapped for the purpose of investigation of
stock’s condition, breeding, marketing flow and other pertinent data.
Regulatory and other control functions will also be the role of the
Bureau.

4.2 NFRDI – The National Fisheries Research and Development Institute

being the research arm of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resource through its National Stock Assessment Program shall provide
TAC and MSY inputs for the BSC Management Plan. The said
institution shall conduct research and development on
breeding/hatchery technologies and grow-out facilities for BSC.
Likewise, it shall conduct natural habitats and ecosystem structure
studies.

4.3 BFAR-RFOs – The concerned BFAR Regional Field Offices in

Regions V, VI, VII, VIII, and CARAGA shall conduct the following
activities:
4.3.1 Inventory/Assessment of Blue Swimming Crab stock, boats,
gears, fishers, processing plants at the municipal level;
4.3.2 Formulation of a comprehensive Municipal Fisheries
Ordinance thru the conduct of Consultation/public hearing;
4.3.3 Installation of cages for berried crabs in prioritized/cluster areas
and monitoring of its status;
4.3.4 Stock enhancement of BSC;
4.3.5 IEC campaign on the importance of Blue Swimming Crab
Management Plan; and
4.3.6 Implementation of integrated blue swimming crab resource
management measures.

4.4 SEAFDEC-AQD – The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development

Center – Aquaculture Department in Tigbauan, Iloilo shall support
BFAR-NFRDI in the improvement of hatchery, nursery and grow-out
technology for BSC (Portunus pelagicus).

4.5 ACADEME – shall support BFAR in providing relevant results of

studies/researches relative to BSC.

4.6 LGU – The Local Government Unit has overall jurisdiction of

respective municipal waters thus they are considered as Key
Implementor of the Management Plan. They will facilitate and make
sure that established management schemes are being supported. The
LGU will assist BFAR and PACPI in the activities related to this plan
particularly on the conduct of surveys and research, education, and
implementation of various projects.

16
4.7 NGO/PACPI – PACPI is an industry association dedicated to the
sustainability of the blue swimming crab fishery. PACPI will work
alongside BFAR, LGUs, NGOs and fisherfolks in the implementation
of actions that would help promote blue swimming crab resource
sustainability. It will support the BSCMP thru creative and interactive
print ads that seeks to educate the crab fishermen regarding the more
beneficial ways of collecting BSC. It will be written in various local
dialects and will be displayed in picking plants of crabmeat processors
and in coastal communities and schools. An infomercial that would
focus on promoting the long term benefits of correct fishing practices
of these resources will also be launched. In addition, PACPI will
implement various initiatives such as installation of gravid crab
holding cages near picking or cooking stations, launching of
educational programs, reseeding of protected nursery areas,
identification of best methods to improve survival of hatchery grown
crabs in the wild, and provision of support to BSC stock assessment.

4.8 FISHERFOLK – Fishermen must ensure at their level that the

management plan is being implemented accordingly. They must
participate in the application of proper management measures and
contribute in monitoring their seas through conduct of patrolling
activities. Necessary data and information in the conduct of research
activities will be provided to TWG in the formulation of appropriate
policies.

17
 5.0 BUDGETARY REQUIREMENTS
Note: See program of activities
ESTIMATED BUDGET (in ‘000)
Responsible
ACTIVTY 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total
Agency/Unit
MOOE CO MOOE CO MOOE CO MOOE CO MOOE CO
1. Inventory/Assessment of Blue Swimming Crab BFAR-RFOs, 10,000 - 5,000 - 5,000 - 5,000 - 25,000 -
stock, boats, gears, fishers, processing plants at the LGUs, FARMC,
municipal level in Regions V, VI, VII, VIII, and PACPI and
CARAGA Academe
2. Registration and licensing of Blue Swimming LGU 10,000 - 5,000 - 5,000 - 5,000 - 25,000 -
Crab fishers, gear, boats, processing plants
3. Blue swimming crab stock enhancement BFAR-RFOs, 10,000 50,000 15,000 50,000 20,000 50,000 20,000 50,000 60,000 200,000
- Development of breeding, hatchery and grow- LGUs, PACPI
out facilities and Academe
- Natural habitats and ecosystem structure
studies
- Installation of berried crab holding cages
- Reseeding Program
4. Restocking program in Regions V, VI, VII, VIII, BFAR-RFOs, 5,000 - 7,500 - 7,500 - 10,000 - 30,000 -
and CARAGA LGUs, PACPI
and Academe
5. Proper management of berried crabs thru BFAR-RFOs, 20,000 20,000 15,000 20,000 15,000 20,000 15,000 20,000 65,000 80,000
installation of cages in prioritized/cluster areas LGUs, PACPI
6. IEC campaign on the importance of Blue BFAR-RFOs, 5,000 - 5,000 - 5,000 - 5,000 - 20,000 -
Swimming Crab Management Plan LGUs, PACPI
7. Implementation of integrated blue swimming crab BFAR-RFOs, 20,000 - 15,000 - 15,000 - 15,000 - 65,000 -
resource management measures in Regions V, VI, LGUs, PACPI
VII, VIII, and CARAGA
8. Review/Amendments on the formulation of BFAR-RFOs, 2,500 - 2,500 - 2,500 - 2,500 - 10,000 -
Comprehensive MFO LGUs, PACPI
- Consultation/public hearing in Regions V, VI, and Academe
VII, VIII, and CARAGA
9. Capability building of local government units in BFAR-RFOs, 50,000 5,000 35,000 5,000 30,000 5,000 25,000 5,000 140,000 20,000
managing blue swimming crab resource LGUs, FARMC,
- Training on the propagation and culture of PACPI and
BSC Academe
- Stock assessment of blue swimming crab
resource
- Review and amendment to the MFO
- Law enforcement
- Management of fish sanctuaries

18
 ESTIMATED BUDGET (in ‘000)
Responsible
ACTIVTY 2012 2013 2014 2015 Total
Agency/Unit
MOOE CO MOOE CO MOOE CO MOOE CO MOOE CO
- Licensing and registration
- Management measures/interventions for
resource (minimum size, closed season and
fishing gear limitation)
- Identification of appropriate livelihood
projects
- Provision of technical assistance in the
drafting of municipal ordinance for BSC
management
TOTAL 132,500 75,000 105,000 75,000 100,000 75,000 102,500 75,000 440,000 300,000

19
Diagram 1—Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) width measurement of
carapace

Blue Swimming Crab is undersize if the width of its carapace, as shown in

diagram 1, is less than 10cm when measured from side to side at the tip of the longest
spines.

Carapace width from side to side

at the tip of the longest spines

Female Blue Swimming Crab Male Blue Swimming Crab

Females are dull green in color Males with blue markings

20
References:

Baraocor, L.T. and V. R. Mariano. 2009. Blue Swimming Crab Survey in Aklan
and Capiz. Travel Report dated July, 2009. Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic
Resources, Quezon City, Philippines.

BFAR-RFO V. [Link] of BFAR-RFO V represented by Ms. Nonita S.

Cabacaba during the TWG Meeting on February 15, 2012. ADAS Conference
Room.

Batoy, C.B., B.C. Pilapil, and J.F. Sarmago. 1988. Size composition, distribution,
length-weight relationship and natural food of the blue crab,
Portunuspelagicus(L.) in selected coastal waters in Leyte and vicinity. Annals
of Tropical Research 10 (3&4): 127-142.

CabacabaNonita S. Breeding and Larval Rearing of Blue Swimming Crab

(Portunuspelagicus).Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center, Guiuan,
Eastern Samar

Eleserio, F.O. and M. M. Mandreza. 2010. Blue Swimming Crab Survey in

Guimaras Strait and Capiz. Travel Report dated February 15, 2010. Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Quezon City, Philippines.

Eleserio, F.O. and M. M. Mandreza. 2010. Blue Swimming Crab Survey in Negros
Occidental and Iloilo. Travel Report dated January 7, 2010. Bureau of
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Quezon City, Philippines.

Flores, J.O. 2005. The elasmobranch fisheries in the SSME-Philippines: a

groundwork study towards rational policies for conservation and protection
management. Report submitted to World Wildlife Fund for Nature, Manila,
Philippines.

Fernando, B.R. and V. R. Mariano. 2010. Blue Swimming Crab Survey in New
Washington, Aklan. Travel Report dated January, 2010. Bureau of Fisheries
and Aquatic Resources, Quezon City, Philippines.

Fisheries Statistics, 2004 to 2007. Bureau of Agriculture Statistics, Quezon City,

Philippines.

Germano, B. P., J.L.F. Melgo and J.C. Evangelio. 2006. Population, Reproduction
and Fishery Biology of the blue crab Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus 1758) in
Eastern Visayas. Terminal Report, Volume 3. AFMA – Invertebrate Project of
Leyte State University (LSU) and the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of
Agriculture Research (DA-BAR). 116 p.

Ingles, J.A. 2003. Conservation or Fisheries: A Case Study of the Irrawady Dolphins
in Malampaya Sound, Palawan, Philippines. Report submitted to KKP

21
Ingles, J.A. and E. Braum. (1989). Reproduction and larval ecology of the blue
swimming crab Portunus pelagicus in Ragay Gulf, Philippines. Int. Rev.
Hydrobiol. 74:471-490.

Ingles, J.A. 1996. The Crab Fishery off Bantayan, Cebu, Philippines. Institute of
Marine Fisheries and Oceanology. 33pp.

Romero, F.G. 2009. Population Structure of the Blue Crabs, Portunus pelagicus (L.)
in the Visayan Sea: Implications to Fisheries Management. Ph.D.
Dissertation. University of the Philippines, Diliman, Philippines. 168 p.

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

[Link] bluecrab/[Link]

South Australian Consolidated Regulations

[Link]

22
ANNEX A: Reproductive biology of a Blue Swimming Crab

Blue Swimming Crab

Taxonomy: Potunus pelagcus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Phylum : Crustacea
Class : Malacostraca
Subclass : Eumalacostraca
Order : Decapoda
Family : Portunidae

Frequent synonyms/misidentification:
Portunus(Portunus) segnis (Foskål, 1775) formerly known as Portunus mauritianus (Wrad, 1942),
Portunus trituberculaus (Miers, 1876) and Portunus sanguinolentus (Hersbt, 1783)

The species is similar to Portunus trituberculatus in its general appearance. P. trituberculatus

resembles a large stocky female of P. pelagicus . P. pelagicus is, however, easily distinguished because
it have 4 frontal teeth (3 in P. trituberculatus ) and it have 3 spines in the merus of chelipeds (4 in P.
trituberculatus). Portunus sanguinolentus (Herbst, 1783) inhabit the same area but it is easily
distinguished by their 3 prominent spots colored deep-purple to red in the posterior 1/3 of the carapace.

Blue swimming crabs’ colorful physical appearances depend much on the habitat. The male crabs are
blue while females are grayish green. Only the claws are blue, and the claws of mature females also
have bright orange-red tips. There’s another easy way to distinguish males from females; locals look
for the “apron”. Males have a “t” shaped abdomen, and females have triangular abdomens that become
rounder as they grow and aged. Females are generally smaller, reaching maturity size of around
11.43cm or more. Male blue swimming crabs will go as much as 22.86cm from the pointiest part of his
shell to the other point.

LIFE CYCLE OF BLUE SWIMMING CRABS

(Portunus pelagicus)

Source: Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development Center, Guiuan, Eastern Samar,

23
Crabs grow by shedding their shells, a process called molting. They take in water to
expand and break out of the old shell. A new soft shell underneath hardens quickly.
With three (3) pairs of walking legs, they generally walk sideways, clearing a path
with sharp lateral spines. Large, powerful claws are used for defense, digging, sexual
displays, and to gather food. Adult blue crabs feed on bivalves, crustaceans, fish,
worms, plants, detritus, and nearly anything else they can find, including dead fish
and plants. The blue crab’s favorite food may be thin-shelled bivalves. When these
are scarce, they resort to cannibalism on juvenile crabs.

Source: BSC Broodstocks photos taken in Guiuan Marine Fisheries Development

Center,
Guiuan, Eastern Samar

Reproductive Cycle

1) Mating

Female blue crabs mate only during molting. When they become sexually mature
immediately following their pubertal molt (immediately following this molt, the
female is known as a "sook.") When approaching this pubertal molt, females release a
pheromone in their urine which attracts males. Male crabs vie for females and will
carry and protect them, called "cradle carrying," until molting occurs. Following this
molt, when the female's shell is soft, the pair will mate. During mating, the female
captures and stores the male's sperm in sac-like receptacles so that she can fertilize her
eggs at a later time. Once the female's shell has hardened, the male will release her
and she will migrate to higher salinity waters to spawn.

24
2) Spawning

For spawning, Portunus pelagicus, requires a sandy

substrate and relatively clear water environment.
The eggs are carried by the surface current to areas
where the juveniles could settle.

The P. pelagicus are highly fecund and fecundity is

best describe by “log F = log a + b log CW” (Ingles
1996) which indicates that the number of eggs
produced increases exponentially with increasing
body size (Ingles 1996). Spawning is found all year round but the peak and lean
seasons is influenced by the monsoons.

3) Growth Stages

Growth and development of the blue crab, as in other crustaceans, consist of a series
of larval, juvenile, and adult stages during which a variety of morphological,
behavioral, and physiological changes occur. These changes are most dramatic when
the animal molts (sheds its rigid exoskeleton) permitting growth and changes in body
shape. Before molting, a new shell is formed underneath the old exoskeleton, which
then loosens and is cast off. The new shell is initially soft, but it expands and hardens
in a few hours. The stage between molts is termed intermolt.

a. Larvae

Stage 1 - Zoeae

First stage larvae, called zoeae, measure approximately

0.25 mm at hatching. They bear little morphological
resemblance to adults (Hopkins 1943), are filter feeders,
and live a planktonic existence in the high-salinity surface
waters near the spawning grounds (Pyle and Cronin 1950;
Darnell 1959). Tagatz (1968) found more zoeae near the
water's surface than at the bottom.

The zoeae and all subsequent life stages can increase body
size only by molting (Hay 1905; Pyle and Cronin 1950).
Zoeal development may require 31 to 49 days, depending
on salinity and temperature, but development time has
been shown to be variable even in a single salinity-temperature regime (Williams
1965). Zoeae molt four to seven times before entering the next stage of development.
The final zoeal stage is about 1.0 mm in width (Hopkins, Rogers 1944).

Stage 2 – Megalops

The final molt of the zoeae is characterized by a conspicuous change to the second
larval stage, called a megalops (also termed megalopa [singular] or megalopae
[plural]. Development to this stage requires 31 to 49 days. The megalops larva is more
crablike in appearance than the zoeae, its carapace is broader in relation to its length,

25
and has biting claws and pointed joints at the ends of the
legs. It measures about 1.0 mm in width. The megalops
swims freely, but generally stays near the bottom in
nearshore or lower-estuarine, high-salinity areas (Tagatz,
1968). The megalops stage lasts 6 to 20 days, after which
the megalops molts into the "first crab" stage, with
proportions and appearance more like those of an adult.

There are usually seven zoeal stages and one postlarval, or

megalopal, stage. On occasion, an eighth zoeal stage is
observed.

b. Juveniles

The juvenile "first crab" is typically 2.5 mm wide

(from tip to tip of the lateral spines of the carapace).
These juveniles gradually migrate into shallower, less-
saline waters in upper estuaries and rivers where they
grow and mature (Fischler and Walburg 1962).

Males generally migrate farther upstream, preferring

low-salinity waters, whereas females tend to stay in
lower rivers and estuaries (Dudley and Judy 1971;
Music 1979). Moreover, juveniles are found in
shallow seagrass/seaweed areas as previously reported
by Batoyet. al. (1988). This size-related distribution of
BSC is also supported by the observation that crab pot
or “timing”, which are deployed in shallow areas, catch generally smaller crabs than
gillnets “pukots”, which are deployed in deeper water (Germano et. al. 2006).

Growth and maturation occur during a series of molts and intermolt phases, each of
which is termed a "crab" stage according to the number of molts that have occurred
since the megalops stage.

c. Adults

In the tropical areas, which include the Philippines, female P. pelagicus matures at an
average carapace width (CW) of 10.56-cm and the males at an average CW of 9.64-
cm (Ingles and Braum 1988, Ingles 1996). The average age of maturity of female
BSC is at 8-months to one year while the male BSC matures at about 4 months-old
(Ingles 1996, Ingles and Braum 1988). Adult BSC are found at a depth ranging from
2-12.8 meters (Germano et al. 2006). This is similar to the depth (>6m) reported by
Batoy et al. (1988).

Biological and Behavioral Life Cycle Pattern

Ingles (1996) briefly described the biological and behavioral life cycle patterns of the
blue swimming crab Portunus pelagicus to be strictly limited within the marine
environment. Embryonic development is about 5 days starting from oviposition
(Ingles 1996). The eggs (fertilized) hatched to become zoea, which undergoes three

26
molting processes to become megalopa, the megalopa stages further molts twice into
megalopa stage 1 and stage 2 (Ingles 1996). The eggs, zoea1, zoea2, zoea3,
megalopa1 and megalopa 2 stages are all part of the surface and subsurface plankton
(Ingles 1996).

The megalopa then metamorphose into first crab instar, and started changing its life
habit from plankton into benthic within the shallow areas of the littoral zones (Ingles
1996). The crab instar undertakes about 3 to 4 molts to reach the juvenile stage (Ingles
1996). The juveniles forage in the intertidal areas and seek refuge in the seagrass beds
using the tidal fluctuations to facilitate their movements within the intertidal and the
subtidal areas for about 2 to 3 months (Ingles 1996). As this crab matures, it
undertakes passive migration towards the deeper areas (Ingles 1996).

The main diet of blue swimming crabs is mussels (Ingles 1996). The adult Portunus
pelagicus has also very few predators, the major predator is only the octopus (Ingles
1996). The major mortalities occur during their planktonic stages and during the
periods of ecdysis (Ingles 1996). On the other hand, based on the gut content analysis
made by Germano et al. (2006) food items of BSC primarily consist of algal
blades/filaments, fragments or whole individual of benthic organisms (diatoms,
polychaetes, nematodes, foraminiferans, radiolarians), sessile and slow-moving
invertebrates (poriferans, bryozoans, gastropod and bivalve veliger, copepods,
penaeids, asteroideans, echinoids, ophiuroids, holothuroids), decapods, larvaceans,
fish scales and detritus.

Food

Blue swimming crabs are classified as general scavengers,

bottom carnivores (eats other animals), detritivores (eats
decaying organic matter), and omnivores (eats either other
animals or plants). At various stages in the life cycle, Blue
Swimming Crabs serve as both prey and as consumers of
plankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, plants, mollusks,
crustaceans (including other Blue Swimming Crabs), and
organic debris. Food is located by a combination of
chemoreception (chemical sense) and taction (touch). Blue
Swimming Crabs may play a significant role in the control
of benthic populations.

Macroinvertebrates are organisms without backbones (e.g., insect larvae, annelids

(leeches), oligochaetes (worms), crustaceans (crabs, crayfish and shrimp), mollusks
(clams, oysters and mussels), and gastropods (snails)) and inhabit bottom substrates
(e.g., sediments, debris, logs, macrophytes, and filamentous algae.)

1) Adult Food

Adult Blue Swimming Crabs prefer mollusks such as oysters and hard clams as their
primary food sources. The crab uses the tips of its front-most walking legs to probe
the bottom for buried bivalves and to manipulate them after they are located. Some
other common food items include dead and live fish, crabs (including other Blue
Swimming Crabs), shrimp, benthic macroinvertebrates, organic debris, and aquatic

27
plants and associated fauna such as roots, shoots and leaves of sea lettuce, eelgrass,
ditch grass, and salt marsh grass. It will also prey on oyster spat, newly set oysters and
clams, or young oysters and quahogs if other food is unavailable.

2) Juvenile Food

Juvenile Blue Swimming Crabs feed mostly on benthic macroinvertebrates, small

fish, dead organisms, aquatic vegetation and associated fauna.

3) Larval Food

Zoeae are phytoplanktivorous and readily consume algae, phytoplankton and

zooplankton. Megalope are considered general scavengers, bottom carnivores,
detritivores, and omnivores. Megalope are more omnivorous than zoeae and prey
upon fish larvae, small shellfish, and aquatic plants.

4) Abundance & Predators

Predators claim large numbers of young crabs, and crab populations may vary from
year to year according to the abundance of predators. Blue Swimming Crabs are
subject to predation throughout their life cycle and are particularly susceptible when
they are soft during the molting process.

As larvae, they are vulnerable to fishes, jellyfish, shrimp, and other planktivores.
Plankton feeders eat the larvae as they drift in the water; after they settle, eel, drum,
striped bass, sea trout, catfish, spot, and other Blue Swimming Crabs are primary
predators.

Various fishes and birds, as well as other Blue Swimming Crabs consume the
megalopae and juvenile crabs.

The main predators of adult P. pelagicus are octopus, other crabs and fishes. Its
relative the Calinnectes sapidus found in Chesapeake Bay are consumed by other
crabs*, American eels, striped bass, Atlantic croakers, cobia, red drum, black drum,
oyster toadfish, sandbar sharks, bull sharks, cownose rays, speckled/spotted trout,
weakfish, catfish, gars, largemouth bass, loggerhead turtles, Atlantic Ridley turtles,
herons and egrets, various diving ducks and raccoons.

*The Blue Swimming Crab is well known for its cannibalistic habits. Crabs make up
as much as 13% of a crab's diet. Blue Swimming Crabs in poor health, missing
important appendages, heavily fouled with other organisms, and those during or
immediately following molt are more likely to be cannibalized.

Autotomy & Regeneration

Blue Swimming Crabs have the ability to sacrifice limbs (called autotomy) in order to
avoid capture. Missing limbs are regrown by a process called regeneration.

Source: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center

[Link]
[Link]

28
ANNEX B
Proforma/Model ordinance in the Province of Negros Occidental

29
30
ANNEX C

SURVEY OF BLUE SWIMMING CRAB “Portunus pelagicus” FISHERY

IN SUPPORT TO SUSTAINABLE HARVEST AND UTILIZATION

I. Fisherman’s Profile:
Name of Fisher: _________________________ Association: ______________________
Region and Province: ____________________ Municipality: _____________________
Village/Sitio: ___________________________ Contact Number: __________________

II. Fishing Gear Specifications:

A. For Gillnet
Length ______ Width ______ Depth ______ No. of meshes down _____
Materials used: _____________________________________________________________

B. For Crab Pot/Trap

Dimension of pot/trap: Length ____ Width ____ Depth _____ Hole/mesh diameter _____
Materials used: _____________________________________________________________
Type of fishing ground: _____ muddy _____ sandy _____ corral reef areas _____ others

C. For other fishing gears, please specify ____________________________

Length ______ Width ______ Depth ______ No. of meshes down _____
Materials used: _____________________________________________________________

III. Fishing Boat Specifications:

Type of boat used: ____ Wooden ____ Fiberglass ____ others, please specify ________
Length ______ Width ______ Depth ______
Engine HP/brand _____________________________________

IV. Fishing Ground:

Location Fishing Depth Fishing Months

V. Seasonality of catching crabs:

Fishing Season:
Months: Peak __________ Lean __________
Volume: Peak __________ Lean __________
Value: Peak __________ Lean __________

Spawning Season:
Months: Peak __________ Lean __________
Volume: Peak __________ Lean __________
Value: Peak __________ Lean __________

31
VI. Fishing operation profile:

Volume catch per setting (in kg/trip) ______ No. of fishing gear units used per trip ______
No. of hours soak in water per setting _____ Frequency of fishing operation per trip _____
Size ranges of carapace ________________ Selling price per kilo ___________________
Number of fisher per boat

VII. Processing Plant (if any):

Name of processing plant: ___________________________________

Location: ________________________________________________
Type of processing _________________________________________
Buyers name: _______________________ Address: _______________________________
Size of crabs used: Juvenile __________ Berried __________ (support with pictures)
Male ____________ Female __________ (support with pictures)
Note: Juvenile crab if size is below 4 inches

VIII. Market Information from the Landing Sites:

Crab Source/Municipality of origin: _____________ Size Range: ______ Volume ______

Buying Price: _________________ (per kg) Selling Price: _________________ (per kg)
Outlets/ Destination: _________________________________________________________
Market Practices: _____ Direct selling _____ Whole sale _____ Retail
Price per kilo according to sizes (if applicable): Small _____ Medium _____ Large _____
Price per kilo according to appearance (if applicable): Premium ______ Soft shelled ______
Target Market: _____ Local _____ Domestic _____ International

IX. Other information to be collected includes:

 Municipal Fishery Ordinance (if any) for Blue Swimming Crab (BSC)
 Monthly production statistics for BSC
 PAO, MAO and FARMC contact information
 Investment and maintenance costs for fishing boats and fishing gears; and processing
plants
 Socio-economic profiles on the fishing and processing sectors
 Up-to-date review of the supply/value chain.

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 ANNEX D

Data on the observed peak occurrence of juvenile and gravid crabs

Gravid/berried Blue
Municipality Swimming Crabs Peak Catching Seasons
(spawning months)
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL
 E.B. Magalona March to May June to August
August to September
 Silay City November to December June to July
 Talisay City August August to February
 Victorias August May to September
ILO-ILO
 Carles June to August August to September
GUIMARAS
 Sibunag October to November July and August
(10 kg per day)
 San Lorenzo August to September August to October
(6 to 7 kg per day)
 Buenavista Every month there are few August to September
gravid crabs occur at the rate (6 to 10 kg per day)
of 1 to 2 pieces per 3 kilos
CAPIZ
 Roxas City July August, November and
December
(120 kg in 3 days)
SORSOGON
 Sorsogon Bay February to April July to August
(second spawning March to
July)
CAMARINES SUR
 San Miguel Bay February to April July to August
MASBATE
 Asid Gulf October to December July to September
SAMAR, LEYTE, BOHOL and CEBU
 Guiuan January to March, July, -
August, December
 San Pedro Bay March, November -
 Camotes Sea February, June, August -
 Ormoc Bay July, August, November, -
December
BASILAN
 Basilan Strait June, July, October, -
November

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