South East Sulawesi
Indonesia
Blue Swiming Crab Trap
Location & History
Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) fisheries have long supported coastal communities throughout Southeast Sulawesi, particularly in areas surrounding the Tiworo Strait, Muna, West Muna, and adjacent coastal waters. The fishery provides an important source of income for small-scale fishers and contributes to local seafood supply chains serving both domestic and export markets.
Southeast Sulawesi is recognized as one of Indonesia’s important Blue Swimming Crab harvesting regions. In collaboration with industry stakeholders and the Indonesian Blue Swimming Crab Association (APRI), initiatives have been implemented to support fishery monitoring, traceability, and data collection programs. These efforts contribute to improving fishery information and supporting responsible resource management practices.
The fishery operates primarily within Indonesia’s Fisheries Management Area 714 (WPP 714), covering the Banda Sea, Tolo Bay, and surrounding waters. Blue Swimming Crab harvested from this region contributes to Indonesia’s broader seafood export supply chain while supporting coastal livelihoods throughout Southeast Sulawesi.
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 Southeast Sulawesi. Trap fishing is a selective fishing method that targets crabs while reducing interactions with non-target species and minimizing impacts on surrounding habitats.
Fishing activities are generally conducted in shallow coastal waters, estuarine environments, and nearshore marine habitats characterized by sandy and muddy substrates. Fishers typically operate small vessels on short fishing trips and return catches to local landing sites and collection centers.
Following landing, crabs are sorted according to applicable regulations and buyer specifications. Data collection and monitoring activities help improve understanding of catch trends and support fishery management efforts throughout the region.
Unique Features & Fun Fact
The Blue Swimming Crab fishery in Southeast Sulawesi plays an important role in supporting coastal livelihoods and local economies. Employment opportunities are generated throughout the supply chain, including harvesting, collection, processing, and export activities.
The coastal waters of Southeast Sulawesi include a diverse mix of habitats such as seagrass beds, mangrove-associated areas, shallow coastal waters, and sandy-muddy seabeds. These environments provide suitable habitat for Blue Swimming Crab and a variety of other marine species.
The Tiworo Strait has been the focus of several fisheries research and monitoring initiatives, contributing valuable information on Blue Swimming Crab biology, population dynamics, and fishery management in Indonesia.
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-shaped hind legs used for swimming and by the series of spines located along the sides of their carapace. Males are typically bright blue with white markings and elongated claws, while females generally display a greenish-brown coloration with a broader and 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, seagrass areas, estuaries, and waters adjacent to mangrove ecosystems. It matures relatively quickly, typically within one year, and has a lifespan of approximately three years.
In Southeast Sulawesi, Blue Swimming Crab is highly valued for its sweet flavor and delicate white meat. The fishery relies on wild crab populations harvested from coastal waters 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 South East Sulawesi
Blue Swimming Crab Fisheries in South East Sulawesi
Blue Swimming Crab fisheries in Southeast Sulawesi 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 714 (WPP 714). Monitoring activities, fishery data collection programs, and scientific studies contribute to ongoing efforts to improve understanding of stock conditions and fishing activities 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 coastal communities in Southeast Sulawesi.
Industry organizations such as 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 Southeast Sulawesi Blue Swimming Crab fishery continues to support coastal livelihoods while contributing to the ongoing development of responsible fisheries management in Indonesia.
