East Kalimantan
Indonesia
Blue Swiming Crab Trap
Location & History
Blue Swimming Crab (BSC) fisheries provide an important source of livelihood for coastal communities throughout East Kalimantan. Fishing activities are commonly found in coastal areas such as Balikpapan Bay, Penajam Paser Utara, Kutai Kartanegara, and surrounding waters, where Blue Swimming Crab has long been harvested by small-scale fishers and contributes to regional seafood supply chains.
Over time, increasing demand from domestic and export markets has supported the development of Blue Swimming Crab fisheries in the region. 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 aimed at improving fishery information and management.
The fishery operates primarily within Indonesia’s Fisheries Management Area 713 (WPP 713), which encompasses the Makassar Strait and adjacent waters. The fishery contributes to local economies while supplying Blue Swimming Crab products to both domestic and international markets.
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 East Kalimantan. 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, estuarine environments, and nearshore marine areas 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.
After landing, crabs are sorted according to applicable regulations and buyer requirements. Monitoring and data collection activities contribute to a better understanding of catch trends and support responsible fishery management efforts.
Unique Features & Fun Fact
The Blue Swimming Crab fishery in East Kalimantan supports coastal livelihoods across numerous fishing communities and provides employment opportunities throughout the seafood supply chain, including harvesting, collection, processing, and export activities.
East Kalimantan’s coastline includes a variety of coastal and estuarine habitats, including mangrove-fringed shorelines, shallow bays, and nearshore waters connected to the Makassar Strait. These environments provide suitable habitat for Blue Swimming Crab and support a diverse range of marine life.
Fishing communities in the region increasingly participate in fishery monitoring and traceability initiatives designed to strengthen resource management and improve supply chain transparency. Collaboration among fishers, processors, researchers, and government stakeholders continues to support these efforts.
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.
In East Kalimantan, Blue Swimming Crab is 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 East Kalimantan
Blue Swimming Crab Fisheries in East Kalimantan
Blue Swimming Crab fisheries in East Kalimantan 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 713 (WPP 713). Fishery monitoring activities, data collection programs, and stock assessment initiatives 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 East Kalimantan.
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 aim to strengthen compliance with applicable regulations and support continued access to international seafood markets.
Through these combined efforts at national, regional, and industry levels, the East Kalimantan Blue Swimming Crab fishery continues to support coastal livelihoods while contributing to the ongoing development of responsible fisheries management in Indonesia.
