Mud crab conservation as an effort to protect coastal wetland ecosystems
One critical component of this effort is the conservation of mud crabs (Scylla spp.), which play a significant ecological and economic role for coastal communities. The Mud Crab Bioecology Team of DPP ISPIKANI has completed an intensive study on mangrove ecosystems and mud crab populations (Scylla spp.).
This bioecological research, conducted by CFI Indonesia in collaboration with the Bioecology Team for Mud Crabs of DPP ISPIKANI, took place across 17 locations in the three Fisheries Management Areas (WPP 715, 717, and 718). The study aims to understand the population dynamics of mud crabs and their relationship with the mangrove ecosystem as their primary habitat. The data obtained serve as a crucial foundation for more sustainable management policies, including the implementation of environmentally friendly fishing technologies and habitat restoration initiatives.
The research focuses on various ecological aspects of mangroves as the primary habitat for mud crabs, including reproductive habitats, species composition, population density, morphometric structure, growth patterns, sex ratio, and reproductive status. The collected data is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the condition of mud crab populations and the environmental factors influencing them.
Mangrove Ecosystem Condition and Mud Crab Population
Research findings indicate that the mangrove ecosystem in several locations is still in good condition, with biodiversity levels and vegetation density that reflects population stability. In WPP 715, 11 mangrove species were identified, with a density ranging from 883 to 2,400 trees per hectare. In WPP 717, 4 species were found, while WPP 718 had 9 species with a very high density, ranging from 2,600 to 2,700 trees per hectare. "The mangrove condition in WPP 718 remains natural and very dense, making it a challenge to access the inner zone," explained Dr. Laura Siaheininea from Pattimura University, Ambon.
The study also successfully identified four species of mud crabs, namely Scylla serrata, S. paramamosain, S. tranquebarica, and S. olivacea, which were found in all research locations. Morphometric analysis revealed size variations in crabs across different locations. Crabs in the Aru Islands (WPP 718) tended to be larger than those found in Seram Island (WPP 715). By species, S. serrata and S. paramamosain were larger in size compared to S. tranquebarica and S. olivacea.
Additionally, the sex ratio analysis showed that the mud crab population in the mangrove ecosystem was dominated by males. "This phenomenon is natural, as male crabs are more active in exploring the mangrove forest, while females tend to migrate to the sea for spawning," explained Dr. Laura.
CFI Indonesia’s Commitment to Coastal Ecosystem Sustainability
In addition to the research conducted, various other initiatives have been implemented to support the sustainable management of mud crabs. Through GEF-6 CFI Indonesia funding—a collaboration between the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) and the WWF US GEF Agency—several activities have been implemented, including:
- Collection of Mud Crab Bioecology Data: This activity aims to gather baseline data on the ecology and biology of mud crabs as a foundation for sustainable management.
- Implementation of Collapsible Crab Trap Technology in East Seram Regency (WPP 715): In collaboration with the Center for Fishing (BBPI) Semarang, more efficient and environmentally friendly collapsible crab trap technology has been introduced to improve local fishermen’s catch.
- Introduction of Collapsible Traps for Fish and Mud Crabs in Southeast Maluku Regency: KKP has introduced the use of collapsible traps as an eco-friendly fishing gear alternative for catching fish and mud crabs.
- Technical Guidance on Mud Crab Resource Management through Crab Bank Implementation in Southeast Maluku Regency: This initiative aims to enhance fishermen's capacity in managing mud crab resources through the crab bank concept, which involves the conservation of egg-bearing female crabs to ensure population sustainability.
Mud crab conservation efforts are carried out through training, the application of environmentally friendly fishing technologies, and community-based resource management. These initiatives represent CFI Indonesia’s commitment to achieving sustainable fisheries. The programs not only aim to preserve mud crab populations but also to protect coastal ecosystems, such as mangrove forests, which serve as the primary habitat for this species.
Thus, mud crab conservation contributes not only to the preservation of the species but also to the health of mangrove ecosystems and the well-being of communities that depend on coastal resources for their livelihoods. Through collaboration between the government, research institutions, and local communities, sustainable resource management is expected to be realized, aligning with the spirit of World Wetlands Day.
About the project:
CFI Indonesia, through the GEF-6 Grant titled "The Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM) in Eastern Indonesia (Fisheries Management Area - FMA 715, 717, & 718) Components A, B, and D", is a collaboration between Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP), as the implementing agency, and the WWF GEF Agency, as the managing institution. This initiative, which began on December 23, 2019, and is scheduled for completion on December 31, 2026, aims to strengthen sustainable coastal fisheries management in some of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems.
The FMA 715, 717, and 718 regions have vast mangrove forests that serve as crucial habitats for mud crabs (Scylla spp.), a species with significant ecological and economic value. Additionally, these regions support high-value fisheries, including tuna, shrimp, small-scale pelagic fish, and reef fisheries. They also provide habitats for endangered species such as the leatherback turtle.
As part of its commitment to sustainable coastal fisheries, CFI Indonesia actively conducts bioecological research and conservation efforts for mud crabs. These activities include habitat assessments, population monitoring, and the implementation of sustainable harvesting practices to ensure the preservation of mud crab resources and coastal ecosystems.
For more information, please contact, Lisa M. Lautetu at [lisamlautetu@gmail.com] and visit the dedicated page on iwlearn.net.
Related content:
- CFI Indonesia YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_d9hTqbSf4E - CFI Indonesia: Study on the Bioecology of Mud Crabs.
- CFI Indonesia Website: https://cfi-indonesia.id/
GEF-6 CFI INDONESIA: TOGETHER WITH BBPI-SEMARANG APPLY CRAB FOLDING BUBU FISHING GEAR TECHNOLOGY CRAB FOLDING BUBU IN EAST SERAM DISTRICT (FMA 715): https://cfi-indonesia.id/blog/gef-6-cfi-indonesia-together-with-bbpi-semarang-apply-crab-folding-bubu-fishing-gear-technology-crab-folding-bubu-in-east-seram-district-(fma-715)
GEF-6 CFI INDONESIA: COLLECTION OF BIOECOLOGICAL DATA ON MUD CRABS: https://cfi-indonesia.id/blog/gef-6-cfi-indonesia-pengumpulan-data-bioekologi-kepiting-bakau/
GEF-6 : KKP INTRODUCES COLLAPSIBLE TRAPS FOR FISH AND MUD CRABS IN SOUTHEAST MALUKU REGENCY: https://cfi-indonesia.id/blog/gef-6-kkp-memperkenalkan-bubu-lipat-ikan-dan-kepiting-bakau-di-kabupaten-maluku-tenggara/ - Instagram CFI Indonesia: @cfigef6 https://www.instagram.com/cfigef6/ .
Commemoration of World Wetlands Day – The Mud Crab, the Little Guardian of Wetlands. : https://www.instagram.com/p/DFjjgFVB5Te/?img_index=1
Words by Ahadar Tuhuteru and Lisa M. Lautetu. Photo cover: CFI Indonesia.
