Catbalogan City, Samar- During an interview with OpinYon, Catbalogan City's Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Edgardo M. Guya, discussed the local government's intensified efforts to protect Blue Swimming Crabs (Portunus pelagicus) in the city's coastal waters. According to Guya, the crab-picking industry in Catbalogan has expanded dramatically in recent years, with growing demand for blue crabs raising concerns about the species' survival. He claimed that the city's local government unit (LGU) has observed a considerable decrease in the number of blue crabs, prompting the adoption of extra protective measures. To combat the growing issue, the Catbalogan City Environment Office launched the "Blue Green Project," which attempts to rehabilitate and conserve blue crab populations.
Guya emphasized that the project's purpose is to balance supply and demand while also ensuring the long-term stability of the local crab industry. The project gained traction on October 11, when the local authorities released a group of blue crabs into the waters off Cabugawan, the city's coastal area. The move is part of a bigger effort to rebuild crab populations and prevent overfishing.
In addition to the rehabilitation efforts, the City Environment Office has formally requested that the local council pass a resolution governing crab gathering activities. They especially advocate for a prohibition on the use of fishnets in crab collection, stating that only hand-picking methods should be permitted. This technique tries to limit the amount of crabs collected from the ocean, ensuring that the population is sustainable for future generations.
The Blue Green Project and proposed rules are designed to help safeguard Catbalogan's blue crab population, which is crucial to the local ecosystem and economy. Guya noted that safeguarding this resource is important not just for the ecosystem, but also for the livelihoods of local crab fisherman.
As the city strives for a more sustainable future, it is apparent that protecting the blue swimming crab is a top concern for Catbalogan's ecology and economy.
Photo courtesy of Philippine Travel Notes
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