The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture has published a Joint Administrative Order (JAO) which will implement policies governing the capture and preservation of the Blue Swimming Crab.
It will go into effect from 18 February and will introduce regulations on minimum catch size, responsible fishing gear, closed crabbing seasons and the protection of berried female crabs.
Bobby Eduardo, treasurer of the Philippine Association of Crab Processors, Inc (PACPI) and a member of the NFI Crab Council Executive Committee, said: “The Crab Council has been working towards crab sustainability in the Philippines for the better part of five years."
"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.”
Crab Council Chairman Brendan Sweeny congratulated regulators and legislators for following through with policies that provide for better stock health through authoritative action.
He said: “PACPI and our member companies have done a great job working towards sustainability and this order’s penalties give regulators some teeth.”
The NFI Crab Council was founded in 2009 and funds Blue Swimming Crab sustainability projects through contributions from participating companies. It receives generous support from the World Bank and the Walton Family Foundation.
