East Java
Indonesia
Blue Swiming Crab Trap
Location & History
Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) fisheries have long been an important part of coastal communities in East Java, providing a source of income and employment. These fisheries have traditionally utilized crab traps and have gradually developed with increased market demand and supply chain organization.
In collaboration with Asosiasi Pengelolaan Rajungan Indonesia, efforts have been made to support improvements in fishery practices, including data collection, traceability, and the adoption of best management practices. These initiatives aim to support responsible harvesting and align with broader national fishery management objectives.
The fisheries operate along the East Java coastline within Indonesia’s marine ecosystems, contributing to local livelihoods and supplying both domestic and export markets.
How is the Blue Swimming Crab Caught?
The Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) from this fishery is caught using traditional traps carefully designed to minimize environmental impact. The traps are selectively baited, allowing fishers to target crabs while reducing bycatch. These fishing methods align with sustainable practices, supporting both the marine ecosystem and the livelihoods of local communities.
Fishers operate small boats on short trips, often returning the same day. Upon landing, crabs are sorted to ensure undersized individuals are excluded from the supply chain. Data collection at landing sites supports monitoring of catch trends and fishing pressure.
Unique Features & Fun Fact
The Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) fishery in East Java plays an important role in supporting coastal communities, providing employment both at sea and within the processing sector. These activities contribute to local economic development and support the livelihoods of small-scale fishers.
The fishery is largely based on the use of traditional baited crab traps, which are widely applied by local fishers. These fishing methods are generally considered selective and support efforts toward responsible fishing practices.
Fishing activities take place within Indonesia’s Fisheries Management Area (WPP 712) in the Java Sea, where environmental conditions can support productive coastal ecosystems. These conditions provide suitable habitats for Blue Swimming Crab and other marine species.
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 Java
Blue Swimming Crab Fisheries in East Java
Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) fisheries in Indonesia are managed under national fisheries frameworks established by the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Management measures include regulations related to minimum size, protection of egg-bearing females, and the use of appropriate fishing practices, as outlined in Indonesia’s national BSC harvest strategy.
Implementation of these measures is supported at the regional level through Indonesia’s designated Fisheries Management Areas (WPP-NRI). The East Java fishery operates primarily within the Java Sea (WPP 712), where monitoring and data collection contribute to the understanding of stock conditions and fishing activities.
The East Java BSC fishery operates in nearshore coastal waters and estuarine areas, where fishing activities are generally conducted over sandy to muddy substrates. The fishery is primarily trap-caught using baited crab traps.
Industry associations such as Asosiasi Pengelolaan Rajungan Indonesia work in collaboration with fishers, collectors, processors, and government stakeholders to support data collection, monitor fishing activities, and strengthen traceability systems. These initiatives aim to support compliance with applicable regulations, promote responsible fishing practices, and facilitate access to international markets.
Through these combined efforts at national, regional, and industry levels, the East Java BSC fishery continues to support coastal livelihoods while contributing to the ongoing development of the sector.
