Bangka Belitung Islands
Indonesia
Blue Swiming Crab Trap
Location & History
Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) fisheries have long been an important part of coastal livelihoods in the Bangka Belitung Islands. The province is recognized as one of Indonesia’s major Blue Swimming Crab producing regions, with fishing activities taking place throughout the coastal waters surrounding Bangka and Belitung Islands. The fishery supports small-scale fishing communities and contributes significantly to regional seafood supply chains serving both domestic and export markets.
As market demand for Blue Swimming Crab increased, the fishery developed into an important source of income for fishers, collectors, processors, and supporting industries across the province. Industry stakeholders, including the Indonesian Blue Swimming Crab Association (APRI), have supported initiatives related to fishery monitoring, traceability, and fishery improvement activities designed to strengthen management and supply chain transparency.
The fishery operates primarily within Indonesia’s Fisheries Management Area 711 (WPP 711), which includes the Karimata Strait, Natuna Sea, and surrounding waters. This management area is recognized as one of the principal Blue Swimming Crab production regions in Indonesia.
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 the coastal waters of Bangka Belitung. Trap fishing is a passive 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 over sandy and muddy seabed habitats where Blue Swimming Crab are commonly found. Fishers typically use small vessels and undertake relatively short fishing trips, returning catches to local landing sites and collection centers for handling and distribution.
After landing, crabs are sorted according to applicable regulations and buyer specifications. National management measures include minimum size requirements and protection of egg-bearing females, supporting responsible harvesting practices throughout the supply chain.
Unique Features & Fun Fact
The Blue Swimming Crab fishery plays an important role in supporting coastal livelihoods throughout the Bangka Belitung Islands. Employment opportunities are generated across the seafood supply chain, including harvesting, collection, transportation, processing, and export activities.
Bangka Belitung is located within the Sunda Shelf region, where extensive shallow coastal waters provide suitable habitat for Blue Swimming Crab. These productive coastal ecosystems support a variety of marine species and contribute to the region’s long-standing fishing traditions.
The province has been included in several scientific and fishery monitoring initiatives related to Blue Swimming Crab populations in Indonesia, contributing valuable information for fishery management and stock assessment programs.
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 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, estuaries, seagrass areas, and waters adjacent to mangrove ecosystems. It matures relatively quickly, typically within one year, and has a lifespan of approximately three years.
In Bangka Belitung, 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 Bangka Belitung Islands
Blue Swimming Crab Fisheries in Bangka Belitung Islands
Blue Swimming Crab fisheries in Bangka Belitung 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 711 (WPP 711). Monitoring programs, fishery data collection, 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 the Bangka Belitung Islands.
Industry organizations such as APRI (Asosiasi Pengelolaan Rajungan Indonesia) 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 Bangka Belitung Blue Swimming Crab fishery continues to support coastal livelihoods while contributing to the ongoing development of responsible fisheries management in Indonesia.
