West Java
Indonesia
Blue Swiming Crab Trap
Location & History
Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) fisheries along the West Java northern coast have long been important to coastal communities, providing a source of income and employment. These fisheries occur in the shallow coastal waters of the Java Sea, where BSC are abundant in estuaries and muddy–sandy substrates. Increased market demand and export value have driven the expansion of this fishery over time, resulting in greater organization among fishers and associated stakeholders
Efforts to improve sustainability in West Java include stakeholder engagement, data collection, and capacity‑building activities supported by national authorities and development partners such as FAO and provincial fisheries offices. These initiatives aim to strengthen compliance with management measures, encourage responsible fishing practices, and enhance traceability in line with Indonesia’s national BSC harvest strategy.
How is the Blue Swimming Crab Caught?
BSC in West Java is primarily caught using baited crab traps, with some use of bottom gillnets depending on local conditions. Fishing occurs in shallow coastal waters and muddy–sandy substrates associated with mangroves and estuaries.
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
West Java’s BSC fishery benefits from nutrient input from major river systems, which support productive coastal habitats. The region plays a key role as a raw material supplier to processing hubs in Java, linking small-scale fishers directly to global crab markets.
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 West Java
Blue Swimming Crab Fisheries in West Java
Regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) and national frameworks provide guidance to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources along the West Java coast. In the case of Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) fisheries, management emphasizes maintaining healthy crab populations, reducing environmental impacts, and supporting coastal communities dependent on the fishery.
The West Java BSC fishery operates primarily in nearshore coastal waters, estuaries, and muddy–sandy habitats. Management efforts in this region are guided by national fisheries regulations and supported by organizations such as the Asosiasi Pengelolaan Rajungan Indonesia (APRI). Practices promoted include baited crab traps and selective gillnets to protect juvenile crabs, reduce bycatch, and maintain ecosystem health.
APRI works with local fishers, collectors, and processors to collect stock data, monitor fishing activity, and implement traceability systems. These initiatives ensure compliance with sustainability standards, prevent overfishing, and maintain access to international markets. Through these coordinated efforts, West Java’s BSC fisheries contribute to broader national and global sustainability goals while providing economic support for coastal communities.
