By: Rafika Puspita Army (Writer and Documentary Assistant, WWF-Indonesia Inner Banda Arc Sub-seascape)

In today's modern era, it is not difficult to enjoy the delicacy of seafood. Of the many types of seafood, mud crab (Scylla sp.) is one of the most popular choices. Highly nutritious, thick fleshy, and savory - three things that make this cuisine so desirable.

Mangrove crab is listed as a leading fishery commodity in Indonesia. The demand for mangrove crabs increases every year, both in domestic and foreign markets. A happy situation for people who make a living through this hard-shelled animal. Including, the people in Ohoi (village) Evu, Hoat Soarbay District, Southeast Maluku Regency.

Since October 2015, the mangrove crab fishermen of Ohoi Evu have been networking in the Sinar Abadi group. Assisted by WWF-Indonesia, Sinar Abadi has become a forum to improve the welfare of mangrove crab fishermen in this village.

Through Sinar Abadi, mangrove crab fishing in this area is carried out in an environmentally friendly manner. They also monitor the mangrove ecosystem as a habitat for mangrove crabs.

This mission has led businesses to commit to implementing sustainable fishing principles, for better Indonesian fisheries. This is in line with the Seafood Savers, WWF-Indonesia's initiative for sustainable fisheries.

"So far, we have imported crab from France. Now, we need an alternative to crab from Indonesia," said JC. Blachere, an Italian businessman - CEO of a classy restaurant in the capital who is looking at Ohoi Evu mangrove crabs to be part of his business success.

"We explored various regions in Indonesia to find a supplier of excellent crabs, but we had not found one that met the restaurant's criteria and standards. Recommendations popped up, and led us to this Kei," he continued during his visit to Ohoi Evu, last 29/03/2017.

JC. Blachere seemed enthusiastic when he went down Hoat Sorbay Bay using a motorboat to see the condition of the mangrove crab fishing location with the WWF team and the 'Sinar Abadi' Group. "The mangroves here are protected by customary regulations or sasi. ganco. In a day, we can get approximately 10-15 crabs," said Boscho Sirken, head of the Sinar Abadi group.

Indeed, the ecological function of the well-developed mangrove ecosystem in Ohoi Evu is an unforgettable factor in supporting the abundance of mangrove crabs. Not quite satisfied to explore the plus points of crabs in Ohoi Evu, JC also invited his mainstay chef, Chef Nicola, to taste the authentic taste of crabs served with Ohoi Evu's signature spices. According to him, the Evu crab culinary business is worth developing. The natural beauty of Ohoi Evu can be used as an additional key to attract tourists to come to Evu.

JC took the initiative to hold a cooking class with the women members of the Sinar Abadi crab group. That day, at the WWF-Indonesia Inner Banda Arc Sub-seascape office, Chef Nicola taught how to serve food in terms of taste, appearance, and packing. He provided alternative menus so as to add variety to the dishes.

Catches that prioritize environmentally friendly principles are certainly safer and more delicious to consume. In addition, the availability of catch stocks can also be controlled.

The Sinar Abadi mangrove crab fishing group was officially inaugurated by the Southeast Maluku Extension Agency (BP4K), Marine and Fisheries Office (DKP) and WWF-Indonesia on 28/04/2016. Now, they are reaching a new milestone - exploring cooperation with JC's restaurant. Blachere in stages.