CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is urging fishermen and local government units (LGUs) to comply with the regulations set by the government for catching Blue Swimming Crabs (BSC).
The BFAR, Department of Agriculture (DA), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued Joint Administrative Order 01 which outlines the regulations for catching BSC to prevent overfishing of the crabs.
The order sets conditions that must be followed by fishermen and mandates LGUs to ensure the updated registration of fishermen who belong to the crab fisheries sector.
“The registration will help facilitate the active monitoring of the fishermen’s sea operations, especially concerning the catching of the Blue Swimming Crab,” explained Alberto G. Simbajon Jr., officer in charge for Enforcement and Regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance Operation Center of BFAR Central Visayas.
During the recent Coastal Law Enforcement Alliance (CLEAR) Meeting in Cebu City, Simbajon said BFAR is seeking stronger cooperation from all sectors involved in the fishing industry to ensure the successful enforcement of the joint administrative order.
“We are asking for stronger cooperation from all sectors to ensure the continued implementation of regulations and policies under this directive, which include restrictions on the use of fishing gear to prevent overfishing and to conserve blue swimming crabs,” said Simbajon.
The order also prohibits the possession and trading of juvenile blue swimming crabs less than the prescribed minimum size of 10.2 cm carapace width.
It also requires LGUs to enforce penalties for those who violate the policies implemented under the said directive.
Illegal transportation of BSCs
Anyone caught owning or selling “berried” BSC or transporting them without a valid auxiliary invoice and Local Transport Permit (LTP) issued by the LGU will face penalties.
“Berried” refers to female crabs carrying eggs, which are often dark green or black in color.
Those found violating the regulations outlined in Joint Administrative Order 01 may face penalties ranging from a fine of P2,000 to P20,000, or imprisonment from six months to two years, as stipulated under the provisions of Republic Act 8550 or the Fisheries Code of 1998 and Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act).
National aquaculture production
According to BFAR, the Blue Swimming Crabs recorded 29.9 thousand metric tons in volume of production.
This accounts for 1.3 percent of the country’s national aquaculture production, with a production value of P4.5 billion.
The joint administrative order was issued to improve the condition of the crab industry and prevent the decline in the population of the BSC.
Through this initiative, BFAR hopes to improve the rating of the Blue Swimming Crab fishery from a “red” status, which indicates overfishing and declining population, to a “yellow” status, meaning normal or good condition.
The BSC is one of the most commercially important aquatic resources in the country, supporting a major industry that provides jobs and generates revenues at the local and national levels.
BFAR said the crab fisheries sector is a primary source of livelihood for many communities and industries in Central Visayas.
According to The Monterey Aquarium Seafood Watch, a non-profit organization that implements seafood conservation programs, the Philippines is the fourth largest producer of BSC and the second largest exporter of this species to the U.S.
The Visayan Sea produces around 40 percent of the country’s harvest and contains nearly half of the country’s crab picking stations, which supports an estimated 10,000 workers. (RGC/PIA7 Cebu with reports from BFAR7)
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