East Kalimantan
Indonesia
Blue Swiming Crab Trap
Location & History
In East Kalimantan, BSC fisheries occur in productive coastal waters of the Makassar Strait and surrounding seas. Like elsewhere in Indonesia, small‑scale fishers utilize traps and gillnets to harvest BSC, contributing to local livelihoods and the broader export value chain. BSC populations in Kalimantan waters form part of the national production pattern described in nationwide assessments
Although specific stock assessments for East Kalimantan are limited in publicly accessible literature, the presence of BSC throughout Indonesian coastal waters and its inclusion in national distribution estimates imply longstanding importance to coastal communities and fisheries in the province. National and regional initiatives aim to improve sustainability and data collection where possible.
How is the Blue Swimming Crab Caught?
BSC is harvested using crab traps set on sandy and muddy substrates, often at slightly greater depths than in Java. Fishers operate small vessels, with fishing effort adjusted seasonally.
Post-harvest handling has improved through training and better landing controls, supporting quality and traceability requirements.
Unique Features & Fun Fact
East Kalimantan’s BSC fishery benefits from relatively lower fishing pressure compared to Java, offering opportunities for proactive management before stocks become fully exploited.
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 usually recognized by their flat, disc-shaped hind legs, which are used as paddles for swimming, and by the nine spikes (aka horns) along their carapace, on either side of their eyes. Males are bright blue in color with white spots and characteristically long chelipeds, the females are a duller green/brown with a more rounded carapace. Spawning occurs year-round, with peak spawning seasons in Indonesia typically between May and October. Female blue crabs mate only during molting, and the male crabs carry and protect them until molting and mating occurs. Blue swimming crab is common throughout the Indo-Pacific in inshore and continental shelf habitats, including sand, mud, algae, and seagrass near reefs and mangrove areas, and is found from the intertidal zone to depths of 70 m. The species matures quickly (about 1 year), has a short lifespan (about 3 years), and is a partial brooder.
Blue Swimming Crabs (Portunus pelagicus) are primarily found in warm tropical and subtropical waters, particularly in shallow coastal areas such as estuaries, lagoons, and sandy bottoms. These crabs are prized for their sweet, delicate flavor and tender white meat, which is a result of their habitat and diet consisting of small invertebrates and detritus. East Java, Indonesia, is one of the key regions for harvesting Blue Swimming Crab, where sustainable fishing practices like traps and gillnets are used to ensure the health of crab populations and marine ecosystems.
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 East Kalimantan
Blue Swimming Crab Fisheries in East Kalimantan
East Kalimantan’s BSC fishery is located along the Makassar Strait and adjacent coastal ecosystems, where crabs are harvested from productive nearshore habitats.
Management aligns with national regulations and collaborates with APRI to promote sustainable fishing techniques, such as selective traps that reduce juvenile bycatch and minimize habitat impacts.
Through stock monitoring, traceability programs, and community engagement, the fishery maintains healthy crab populations, supports small-scale fishers, and ensures compliance with international sustainability standards.
