b Processing Association (APRI) has adopted a sourcing policy setting the minimum size for purchasing blue swimming crab at 10 centimeters (cm). The policy will prohibit the purchase of crabs less than 10 cm by signing companies, a move designed to provide for a healthier and more abundant crab stock.Arie Prabawa, APRI chairman, called the measure a necessary component of crab sustainability.
“APRI has set a standard that will influence the crabbing community in Indonesia from the dock to processing facility,” said Prabawa. “With this, we seek to change not just sourcing policy but culture, placing bigger crabs that are responsibly harvested at the forefront.”
Signed by the major crab supplying companies in Indonesia, the policy will allow crabs a chance to breed before capture. APRI’s minimum size policy follows a conservation trend in the crab industry mirroring similar regulations already in place in the Philippines and among NFI Crab Council members. Also this week, the Philippines’ Department of Agriculture implemented new rules regarding conservation of blue swimming crab, becoming the first nation in Southeast Asia to do so.
Crab Council Chairman Brendan Sweeny applauded the policy as reinforcing council work and producing economic incentive.
“The Crab Council has always believed that business and sustainability are great partners for crab,” said Sweeny. “When processors demand a certain standard they send a message to the men and women who work the water that they want bigger crabs and will pay more for it. The successful communication of this message will lead to more crabs, bigger crabs and not only economic improvement of crab communities but improvement in the health of the stock. A win-win.”
