A first in Southeast Asia, the order implements policies governing the capture and preservation of Blue Swimming Crab.
Bobby Eduardo, treasurer of the Philippine Association of Crab Processors, Inc (PACPI) and a member of the US National Fisheries Institute Crab Council Executive Committee, looks forward to successful implementation of the management plan and its policies.
“The Crab Council has been working towards crab sustainability in the Philippines for the better part of five years,” said Eduardo. “The government’s order will further bolster our efforts, and we hope to see the active enforcement of these sustainability-minded practices throughout the country.”
The order goes into effect 18 February and introduces regulations on minimum catch size, responsible fishing gear, closed crabbing seasons and the protection of berried female crabs.
Crab Council Chairman Brendan Sweeny congratulated regulators and legislators on following through with policies that provide for better stock health through authoritative action.
“PACPI and our member companies have done a great job working towards sustainability and this order’s penalties give regulators some teeth,” said Mr Sweeny. “In order to cultivate a resource it needs to be protected. By securing Blue Swimming Crab stocks these policies will strengthen Crab Council work.”
The NFI Crab Council was founded in 2009 and funds Blue Swimming Crab sustainability projects through contributions from participating companies and enjoys the generous support of the World Bank and the Walton Family Foundation.
