A number of parties continue to focus their attention on mangrove crab governance. The great potential of Kubu Raya's waters is highly magnetic. It is feared that a good global market response could trigger overutilization of fishery resources.

Moreover, the Fisheries Improvement Program, especially the mangrove crab commodity, has not been implemented as expected. Meanwhile, the demand for mangrove crabs is getting higher day by day. They come not only from within the country, but also abroad.

To anticipate this problem, WWF-Indonesia initiated a meeting with stakeholders in the West Kalimantan region on February 26, 2018. The parties involved are the West Kalimantan Maritime and Fisheries Service, the Village Government of Sungai Nibung, Dabong, Kuala Karang, Kubu, fishermen and mangrove crab collectors in Kubu Raya waters along with other related institutions.

The meeting was intended to obtain recommendations and agreements, especially in the implementation plan for the improvement agenda of mangrove crab commodity fisheries in Kubu Raya.

Acting Head of the West Kalimantan Maritime and Fisheries Service M. Aminuddin said that Kubu Raya is the largest producer of mangrove crabs. This is inseparable from the condition of the mangrove forests in the area which are well maintained. "Of course this is the best habitat for crabs, shrimps and fish," he said.

This meeting, Aminuddin said, can be used as a momentum to discuss mangrove crab governance. Thus, coastal communities are expected not only to take as much of this fishery as possible, but also to maintain its sustainability.

WWF-Indonesia's West Kalimantan Program Manager Albertus Tjiu said that the discussion agenda initiated by his agency involved all stakeholders in West Kalimantan. "We want to unite perceptions and understanding in developing an implementation plan for improving mangrove crab fisheries in Kubu Raya," he explained.

According to Albert, the identification results that have been carried out by referring to the Marine Stewardship Council standards show that the mangrove crab fishery production in Kubu Raya waters is quite high. It's just that the management still needs improvement so that it can ensure aspects of sustainability and on the other hand increase the income of fishermen.

"WWF is ready to work with the government and researchers to analyze the status of mangrove crab stocks and develop utilization strategies in mangrove crab fisheries management. This is important to do as a foundation in the improvement plan for mangrove crab fisheries in Kubu Raya," Albert explained.

This meeting finally resulted in the formulation of a meeting and improvement plan for mangrove crab fisheries in Kubu Raya. All relevant stakeholders have agreed and will take further steps.
Post-meeting of the parties in Pontianak, Pontianak Fish Quarantine, Quality Control and Fishery Product Safety Station released 423 spawning female mangrove crabs in the waters of Wajok, around Panjang Island, March 10, 2018.

The crabs were confiscated by officers from the owner RB on March 9, 2018. The Pontianak resident was arrested for committing a criminal offense contrary to the provisions of KP Regulation No. 56 of 2016 concerning Prohibition of Catching and/or Expelling Lobsters (Panulirus spp.), Crabs (Scylla spp.), and Crabs (Portunus pelagicus).

For more information, please contact:
Lia Syafitri | Communication Coordinator
WWF-Indonesia West Kalimantan Program
JL. Karna Sosial Gg Wonoyoso 2 No. 3 Pontianak, West Kalimantan
PHONE: +62 812 5734 743 | Email: lsyafitri@ww.id