THE Philippines and the United States have partnered with the private sector to promote sustainable management of the local alimasag or blue swimming crab in the Visayan Sea.
The partnership will engage local governments, private sector stakeholders and fisherfolk to implement science-based management, reduce overfishing and protect the crab’s ecological habitats.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Philippine Association of Crab Processors, Inc. signed a memorandum of understanding on Sept. 26.
With the support of USAID, BFAR and its partners will implement a national management plan to attain higher ratings in the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch.
The program raises public awareness about sustainable seafood issues that helps consumers and businesses choose seafood harvested in a sustainable way.
The blue swimming crab fishery in the Visayan sea accounts for 40% of the catch, providing jobs to 8,000 Filipino fisherfolk.
The P3.7-billion Philippine alimasag’s major market is the US, with demand still expected to grow. Government data showed that production of the crab grew 8.8% to 30,825 metric tons (MT) in 2017. Western Visayas was the top producer, accounting for 10,584.35 MT.
The University of Rhode Island, Monterey Bay Aquarium,, Saravia Blue Crab, Inc. and Thai Union Group were also signatories. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang
