West Java
Indonesia
Blue Swiming Crab Trap
Location & History
Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) fisheries have long supported coastal communities along the northern coast of West Java. Fishing activities are commonly found in coastal areas such as Cirebon, Indramayu, Subang, and Karawang, where Blue Swimming Crab provides an important source of income for small-scale fishers and contributes to local seafood supply chains.
In collaboration with industry stakeholders and the Indonesian Blue Swimming Crab Association (APRI), efforts have been implemented to support fishery improvement initiatives, including catch monitoring, traceability systems, and data collection programs. These initiatives aim to promote responsible harvesting practices and support the long-term development of the fishery.
The fishery operates primarily within Indonesia’s Fisheries Management Area 712 (WPP 712) in the Java Sea. Blue Swimming Crab harvested from West Java contributes to both domestic consumption and international seafood markets while supporting coastal livelihoods throughout the region.
How is the Blue Swimming Crab Caught?
Blue Swimming Crab from this fishery is harvested using baited crab traps operated by small-scale fishers in coastal waters of West Java. Trap fishing is a selective fishing method that targets crabs while minimizing interactions with non-target species and habitats.
Fishing activities are generally conducted using small vessels operating close to shore over sandy and muddy seabed habitats. Most fishing trips are completed within a single day, allowing catches to be landed fresh and delivered to local collection points and processing facilities.
After landing, crabs are sorted according to applicable regulations and buyer requirements. Monitoring and data collection activities at landing sites help improve understanding of catch trends and support fishery management efforts.
Unique Features & Fun Fact
The Blue Swimming Crab fishery plays an important role in supporting coastal communities throughout West Java. The fishery generates employment opportunities not only for fishers but also for collectors, transporters, and workers involved in processing and export activities.
Many coastal communities in West Java have participated in fishery improvement and traceability initiatives designed to strengthen responsible fishing practices and improve transparency throughout the supply chain.
Fishing takes place in the productive coastal waters of the Java Sea, where environmental conditions provide suitable habitats for Blue Swimming Crab and a variety of marine species. These coastal ecosystems contribute to the biological productivity that supports local fisheries.
Meet The Fishers
Fleet Capacity
Target Species
Blue Swimming Crabs
Blue Swimming Crab is a brachyuran crab in the Portunidae family. Crabs from this family are recognized by their flattened paddle-like hind legs, which allow them to swim efficiently, and by the series of spines located along the edges of their carapace. Males are typically bright blue with white markings and long claws, while females generally display a greenish-brown coloration with a broader, more rounded shell.
Blue Swimming Crab (Portunus pelagicus) is widely distributed throughout tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. The species inhabits shallow coastal environments including sandy bottoms, mudflats, estuaries, seagrass beds, and waters adjacent to mangrove ecosystems. It grows relatively quickly, reaches maturity within approximately one year, and has a lifespan of around three years.
In West Java, Blue Swimming Crab is valued for its sweet flavor and delicate white meat. The fishery depends on wild crab populations harvested from coastal waters of the Java Sea using traditional trap fishing methods.
Fishing Gear
Fishing Gear
Fishing techniques for Blue Swimming Crab vary but primarily involve the use of traps. Fishers deploy baited traps in shallow coastal waters to target crabs selectively, minimizing bycatch and environmental impact. Traps designed to minimize habitat damage and allow for the release of undersized crabs. These traps are checked frequently to ensure captured crabs remain healthy and to reduce mortality rates. Traps are round or square-shaped (depending on the locality), usually measure 32 × 51 × 21 cm, are made of wire mesh or a galvanized steel frame with two funnel entrances, and are sometimes covered by a polyethylene, green, square- or diamond-shaped net. Typically, there are 150 to 400 baited traps (with fish pieces)—the number limited only by the size of the boat—that are connected to a main line, and these are set by boat on sandy bottoms to depths of 20–50 m. Traps are soaked overnight and the catch is collected on-site.
Fishery Association
What is an industry association?
Industry associations are organizations responsible for promoting and enforcing standards, regulations, and best practices within a specific sector. These associations support businesses by providing resources, educational programs, and advocacy to ensure industry compliance and growth. Additionally, they engage in lobbying efforts to influence policymakers on issues affecting the industry.
Asosiasi Pengelolaan Rajungan Indonesia (APRI)
The Asosiasi Pengelolaan Rajungan Indonesia (APRI) was established to unify and represent the Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) industry in Indonesia. As a key player in promoting sustainability and best practices, APRI ensures that the harvest and processing of BSC align with international standards. Its members include fishers, processors, and exporters, reflecting the entire supply chain.
APRI focuses on creating sustainable fisheries through measures such as promoting the use of traps and gillnets, ensuring traceability, and supporting data-driven fisheries management. The association works closely with government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations to implement conservation strategies that benefit both the marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of coastal communities.
In addition, APRI actively participates in educational programs, training sessions, and resource management initiatives to support its members. Through these efforts, APRI is committed to building a sustainable future for Indonesia’s Blue Swimming Crab fishery while ensuring compliance with international market requirements.
Regional Fisheries Management in West Java
Blue Swimming Crab Fisheries in West Java
Blue Swimming Crab fisheries in West Java are managed under Indonesia’s national fisheries regulations established by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Management measures include minimum legal size requirements, protection of egg-bearing females, and harvest control measures outlined in Indonesia’s national Blue Swimming Crab management framework.
The fishery operates primarily within Fisheries Management Area 712 (WPP 712) in the Java Sea. Monitoring activities, fishery data collection, and stock assessment programs contribute to ongoing efforts to improve understanding of stock conditions and fishing pressure within the region.
Blue Swimming Crab fishing activities are generally conducted in nearshore coastal waters characterized by sandy and muddy substrates. Baited crab traps are commonly used by small-scale fishers targeting Blue Swimming Crab throughout the northern coast of West Java.
Industry organizations such as the Indonesian Blue Swimming Crab Association (APRI) collaborate with fishers, collectors, processors, researchers, and government stakeholders to support traceability systems, fishery monitoring, and responsible fishing practices. These collaborative efforts help strengthen compliance with applicable regulations and support continued access to international seafood markets.
Through these combined efforts at national, regional, and industry levels, the West Java Blue Swimming Crab fishery continues to support coastal livelihoods while contributing to the ongoing development of responsible fisheries management in Indonesia.
