Central Kalimantan
Indonesia
Blue Swiming Crab Trap
Location & History
Blue Swimming Crab fishery activity in Central Kalimantan forms part of the wider Indonesian distribution of Portunus pelagicus, which includes coastal waters from Kalimantan to Java and Sulawesi. BSC are typically found in shallow coastal and estuarine habitats, and fishing is conducted through small‑scale methods similar to other Indonesian regions.
Fishing for BSC in Central Kalimantan has traditionally supported local subsistence and market activities, though formal documentation of stock status and fisheries management in this province is less extensive in current scientific literature compared to other regions. National programs and encouragement from APRI help integrate Central Kalimantan into broader sustainability frameworks.
How is the Blue Swimming Crab Caught?
Crabs are caught almost exclusively using simple baited traps, deployed close to shore. Fishing effort is relatively low compared to Java, and trips are typically completed within a day.
Crabs are sorted at landing to remove undersized individuals, with increasing awareness among fishers of sustainability requirements.
Unique Features & Fun Fact
Central Kalimantan’s extensive mangrove forests act as natural nurseries for juvenile crabs, making habitat protection particularly important for long-term stock health.
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 Central Kalimantan
Blue Swimming Crab Fisheries in Central Kalimantan
In Central Kalimantan, BSC fisheries operate in remote coastal areas dominated by mangroves, estuaries, and tidal flats. Fishing is primarily small-scale and artisanal, forming an important supplementary income source for local communities.
Management follows national fisheries frameworks, with APRI providing guidance on responsible fishing practices, including size-based catch limits, use of selective traps, and avoidance of juvenile crabs.
APRI and local authorities monitor fishing activity, collect stock data, and implement traceability systems, helping prevent overfishing and supporting sustainable access to domestic and international markets.
